CN104038656B - Metadata in Distributed Scans system is supported - Google Patents

Metadata in Distributed Scans system is supported Download PDF

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Publication number
CN104038656B
CN104038656B CN201410074569.2A CN201410074569A CN104038656B CN 104038656 B CN104038656 B CN 104038656B CN 201410074569 A CN201410074569 A CN 201410074569A CN 104038656 B CN104038656 B CN 104038656B
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
data
scan
scanning means
scanning
server
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CN201410074569.2A
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Chinese (zh)
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CN104038656A (en
Inventor
森蒂尔·K·塞尔瓦拉杰
洪江
新村健治
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/786,456 external-priority patent/US9007632B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/786,455 external-priority patent/US8867080B2/en
Application filed by Ricoh Co Ltd filed Critical Ricoh Co Ltd
Publication of CN104038656A publication Critical patent/CN104038656A/en
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Publication of CN104038656B publication Critical patent/CN104038656B/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
    • H04N1/00222—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax details of image data generation or reproduction, e.g. scan-to-email or network printing
    • H04N1/00225—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax details of image data generation or reproduction, e.g. scan-to-email or network printing details of image data generation, e.g. scan-to-email or network scanners

Abstract

The invention provides the metadata support in Distributed Scans system.Defined there is provided based on scan process（SPD）Carry out the scheme of processing scan data, wherein SPD is used to define based on more than one printed document to obtain one group of instruction of view data.SPD can include the growth data for storing excessive data in association with scan data.SPD can include rights management data, and the rights management data is used to provide security to the scan data generated based on SPD.SPD is used as print processing and is defined to indicate that how to perform printing.SPD can be associated with the data of the more than one scanning means for being prohibited from using SPD for identification.SPD can also be associated with commission data are accessed, and access commission data are used to indicate to be entrusted the more than one user for accessing SPD.

Description

Metadata in Distributed Scans system is supported
Technical field
Present invention relates in general to Distributed Scans management, and in particular to the extension of the scan capability in corporate environment.
Background technology
The scheme for describing in this section is the scheme being obtained in that, but is not necessarily expecting before or acquisition Scheme.Therefore, only statement in addition, the scheme for describing in this section does not constitute prior art to the application claim And not as in the prior art being included in the middle of this part.
Management to network equipment, particularly in large enterprise's environment, has been considered to a more difficult task.Example Such as, the service condition to network equipment is wished to the system manager that the network equipments such as scanning means and printing equipment are managed Monitored, to limit the access to some network equipments, and the data generated to network equipment provide safeguard protection.So And, the feature of the usability and multifunctionality that can much improve network equipment is lacked in existing method.
The content of the invention
Describe the scheme for processing scan process definition.In one embodiment, being received at scanning means is used for Recognize the user identification data of the user of scanning means.Retrieve the number at least recognizing more than one scan process definition According to the scan process defines corresponding with user identification data.So that show on a user interface with more than one scanning Reason defines corresponding more than one user interface object.Via user interface, receive for indicating from more than one use The user input of selection particular user interface object in the middle of the interface object of family.Corresponding with particular user interface object specific In scan process definition, identification scanning setting data, destination data and growth data.Perform more than one in the middle of following： a）Data are retrieved from external source based on the growth data, and is swept based on described to the device transmission for the scanning means separate Retouch the scan data of setting data generation and at least a portion of the data from external source retrieval；b）Use the spreading number According to generating graphic user interface and receiving user input via graphic user interface, and separated to the scanning means Device send at least a portion of the scan data and the user input；Or c）To what is with the scanning means separate Device sends at least a portion of the scan data and the growth data.
In another embodiment, graphic user interface is generated on administrator device（GUI）, it is right that the administrator device has In Active Directory（active directory）The access rights of server.GUI allows a user to specify growth data, and generation is at least Scan process definition including growth data, scanning setting data and destination data, and cause that scan process definition is deposited On active directory server, wherein destination data is used to indicate to be based on the scanning means different from administrator device for storage The more than one destination that the scan data that scanning setting data is generated will be sent to.Growth data is used to specify one The rear scan process that is performed to scan data or to be used in scanning or print procedure by scanning means more than individual Device sets.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 is the block diagram being indicated to the example of the Distributed Scans management system in one embodiment.
Fig. 2 is to the permission user selection in one embodiment or generates the graphic user interface that new scan process is defined The figure that is indicated of example.
Fig. 3 is the figure being indicated to the content summary of the scan process definition in one embodiment.
Fig. 4 is that the permission user in one embodiment is scanned to scanning means for more than one printed document The figure that the example of the graphic user interface that being set for during operation is specified is indicated.
Fig. 5 is to allowing keeper to the more than one destination of scan data to be sent in one embodiment The figure that the example of the graphic user interface specified is indicated.
Fig. 6 be in one embodiment allow keeper to may have access to that corresponding scan process defines one with On the figure that is indicated of the example of graphic user interface specified of user and/or more than one group of user.
Fig. 7 is the figure being indicated to the example of the scan process definition in one embodiment.
Fig. 8 be to one embodiment in the processing procedure that operation is scanned in Distributed Scans management system carry out The flow chart of expression.
Fig. 9 be to one embodiment in the definition of the scan process comprising growth data the figure that is indicated of example.
Figure 10 be to one embodiment in comprising rights management data scan process definition example be indicated Figure.
Figure 11 be to one embodiment in the Distributed Scans management system being associated with rights management service carry out table The block diagram for showing.
Figure 12 be to one embodiment in the processing procedure of application rights management data in scanning means be indicated Flow chart.
Figure 13 be to one embodiment in the Distributed Scans management system being associated with rights management data carry out table The block diagram for showing.
Figure 14 be to one embodiment in the processing procedure of application rights management data in scanning means be indicated Flow chart.
Figure 15 is to the distributed printing management in one embodiment（DPM）The block diagram that system is indicated.
Figure 16 be to one embodiment in including device management data scan process definition example be indicated Figure.
Figure 17 be to one embodiment in the example of the Distributed Scans management system including multiple scanning means carry out The block diagram of expression.
Figure 18 be to one embodiment in for generate and use device management data processing procedure be indicated Flow chart.
Figure 19 be to one embodiment in performed limit processed carried out to device management data before scan operation is performed The flow chart that processing procedure is indicated.
Figure 20 be to one embodiment in perform scan operation before performs device management data processing procedure enter The flow chart that row is represented.
Figure 21 be to one embodiment in including access entrust（delegation）The example of the scan process definition of data The flow chart that son is indicated.
Figure 22 be to one embodiment in define server in perform access commission data processing procedure carry out table The flow chart for showing.
Figure 23 be to one embodiment in scanning means perform access commission data processing procedure be indicated Flow chart.
Figure 24 be to one embodiment in scanning means perform access commission data processing procedure be indicated Flow chart.
Figure 25 is the block diagram being indicated to the example that can perform the computer system of embodiment thereon.
Specific embodiment
Hereinafter embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the following order.
I. summarize
II. system architecture
A. administrator terminal
B. scan process definition
1. setting data is scanned
2. destination data
3. access privilege data
4. growth data
5. definitions example
C. server is defined
D. scanning means
E. scanning server
F. example is processed
III. the support of metadata
A. growth data
B. the treatment of growth data
1. external source
i）Scene case
2. user input
3. pass through（pass-through）Data
IV. rights management service
A. rights management data source
B. preceding scanning server method
C. scanning server method after
V. scanning management system is extended into printing
A. administrator terminal
B. print procedure definition
C. server is defined
D. printing equipment
E. printing server
F. the service of data is completed using print job
G. the extension of management system to other environment is scanned
VI. device management
A. device management data
B. the storage of device management data
C. the treatment of device management data
1. the rear scan process of device management data
2. the preceding scan process of device management data
i）Data are managed by definition server processing apparatus
ii）Data are managed by scanning means processing unit
VII. commission is accessed
A. commission data are accessed
1. storage is entered in scan process definition
2. discretely stored with scan process definition
B. the treatment of commission data is accessed
1. define server and perform access commission data
2. scanning means is performed and accesses commission data
WIII. execution mechanism
I. summarize
There is provided and Distributed Scans are managed（DSM）The technology that the function of system is extended.DSM systems are related to scan process The application of definition, each scan process definition is used for defining one group of instruction for obtaining view data.Scan process definition can Comprising access privilege data, it sweeps when execution is scanned operation for more than one printed document to can be used The more than one user for retouching treatment definition is specified.Scan process definition may also comprise destination data, and it is to scanning number According to（The scan data is defined based on scan process and produced）Specified more than one destination to be stored.
In a technology, scan process definition include growth data, its scanned device is used, for instruction and Scan data is stored in association to be any information and scan data is how to be processed.For example, growth data can Including for indicating scanning means whither to send the source data of information request.Scanning means receive its request information and by its It is associated with scan data.Used as another example, scanning means reads growth data and generates user interface, to promote to sweep The user input information of imaging apparatus, afterwards, the scan data that itself and scanning means are generated is set up and is associated.As another example Son, the scan data that scanning means reads growth data and generated itself and scanning means is set up and is associated.Scan data and appoint What associated data can be sent to other devices for carrying out other treatment.
In another technology, one group of scan instruction includes providing safety for the scan data generated to scanning means The rights management data of protection.
In another technology, there is provided a kind of distributed printing management（DPM）System, the system is general using DSM systems Read and principle.For example, print procedure defines one group of instruction of definable, for carrying out printing to generate one for print data Printed document more than individual, wherein, the print data represents electronic document.
In another technology, scan process definition is set up with one group of more than one scanning means and is associated, scanning dress Put and be allowed to use scan process definition to be scanned operation.Any scanning means outside this group of scanning means is not permitted Perhaps scan process is used to define or limited with the more than one system being associated with scan process definition, for example, should when using When scan process is defined, based on scan process definition, can generate which destination can receive scan data and scan process Which scanning setting in definition can be changed is waited such system to limit.
In another technology, access commission data and associated with scan process definition foundation.Access commission data separating in Any access privilege data, the access privilege data can be set up with scan process definition and associate（For example, be included in sweeping Retouch treatment definition in）.The user that accessing commission data is used to allow other to be not allowed to be defined using scanning process originally uses Scan process is defined.However, it is possible to limited using more than one system limit for scan process define carried out function or Operation, for example, whether system limit can be that may specify different destinations etc..
II. system architecture
Fig. 1 is that Distributed Scans are managed（DSM）The block diagram that the example of system 100 is indicated.DSM systems 100 include Administrator terminal 110, scan process defines server 120（Or referred to as " define server 120 "）, scanning means 130 and sweep Retouch server 140.Although illustrate only a scanning means in Fig. 1, system 100 may include multiple scanning means, its It is communicatively coupled with definition server 120 and scanning server 140.
A. administrator terminal
Administrator terminal 110 is a kind of computing device, and it includes scanning management console（SMC）112, for allowing user Or keeper defines scan process definition and/or exits scan process definition.The example of computing device includes but is not limited to clothes Business device, desktop computer, notebook or tablet PC.
Scan process is defined for defining one group of acquisition and the instruction for the treatment of view data.Scanning means uses scan process Define to perform the scan operation for more than one printed document.Detailed retouching will be carried out to scan process definition below State.
SMC112 can be realized by the combination of software, hardware or software and hardware.In one embodiment, SMC112 is Microsoft Management Console（MMC）A part for Windows Server technologies.
Administrator terminal 110 is communicatively coupled with server 120 is defined, also, alternatively, with scanning means 130 and/ Or scanning server 140 is communicatively coupled.Although administrator terminal 110 is represented as directly being connected with definition server 120, But, in administrator terminal 110 and between defining server 120 and, administrator terminal 110 and scanning server 140 it Between, can be used more than one device or network to form most short communication path.
In addition, even though it is not illustrated, administrator terminal 110 can be communicatively coupled with scanning server 130.Such In embodiment, SMC112 is configured to find scanning means in a network.Used as a part for the discovery procedure, SMC112 can be from The device that scanning means retrieves the state of the scanning means, the key element/ability of the scanning means and the scanning means matches somebody with somebody confidence Breath.When keeper is the scanning means generation scanning label for being found（Its scanning means that be used for instruction and can be found makes Scanning sets）Afterwards, SMC112 can be sent to scanning means the scanning label, and requires that scanning means makes the scanning label Effectively.The scanning label is indicated effectively effectively to indicate data if SMC112 have received from scanning means, SMC112 makes Scan process definition including scanning setting data is stored in definition server 120 from scanning label.
In one embodiment, SMC112 performs standard agreement and is communicated with scanning means 130.One is not intended to It is Distributed Scan Device Web Service to limit standard agreement of the invention（WS-DSP）Agreement.The agreement Use the subset of the XML SchemeElements defined in WS Scan Service specifications.Each key element shown in Fig. 1 can By direct communication or via more than one network（For example, local area network, wide area network or the packet switching network as internet Network etc.）Communicated each other.In addition, each key element shown in Fig. 1 can by one with different predetermined process functions with On physical computing device realize.Example of the invention is not intended to limit as one, administrator terminal 110 and definition take Business device 120 can be cooperateed with an identical computing device.Example of the invention is not intended to limit as another, is managed Reason person's terminal 110 and scanning server 140 can be cooperateed with a computing device.
Fig. 2 be to the permission user selection in one embodiment or generate new scan process definition, by SMC112 institutes The figure that the example of the graphic user interface 200 of offer is indicated.Interface 200 includes bibliographic structure frame 210, folder content frame 220 and operation frame 230.
Bibliographic structure frame 210 includes the project corresponding with the file in bibliographic structure.In the present embodiment, catalogue knot Structure includes the entitled " Scan of the file as entitled " the Console Root " of root, the sub-folder as root Three sub-folder " Managed of the file and file " Scan Management " of Management " Scanners ", " Scan Processes " and " Scan Servers ".In the present embodiment, file " Scan Project during Processes " is selected, and this document is pressed from both sides is displayed in folder content frame 220.
Folder content frame 220 includes 11 projects, the different scan process definition of each project correspondence.
Operation frame 230 includes action lists, and those actions can be relative to scan process definition or file content folder frame 220 It is performed.Those actions may include at new the additional of scan process definition, the renewal of frame 220 and the scanning being listed in frame 220 Manage output of definition etc..
B. scan process definition
Fig. 3 is the figure being indicated to the content summary that the scan process in one embodiment defines 300.Scan process is determined Justice 300 includes scanning setting data 310, destination data 320, access privilege data 330 and growth data 340.Separately Outward, scan process defines 300 and may also include other data based on specific treatment.
1. setting data is scanned
Scanning setting data 310 is used to indicate the more than one setting for obtaining image, its institute of scanned device 130 Use, to generate scan data.For example, scanning means 130 is swept by being scanned to generate to more than one printed document Retouch data.Used as another example, scanning means 130 can generate scan data simultaneously by receiving application data such as Word document Scan data is generated according to the application data.In the present embodiment, scanning setting data 310 represents what scan operation will be produced The size of file, color（For example, gray scale, colour, black and white etc.）And perform the producible various possible files of scan operation Form.In the present embodiment, various possible document formats are JPEG, TIFF and PDF.If for example, scanning means 130 does not have It is configured to generate jpeg image, then scanning means 130 may be selected TIFF（If supported）As the scanning for being generated The file format of data.
Fig. 4 is to scanning means to the permission user in one embodiment（For example, scanning means 130）For more than one Example that graphic user interface 400 specify, by SMC112 being provided be provided of printed document when being scanned operation The figure that son is indicated.Interface 400 includes 5 options：Name（Title）、Scan Ticket（Scanning label）、Scan Server（Scanning server）、Destination（Destination）And Security（Safeguard protection）.In interface 400, sweep Label option is retouched to be selected.In this example embodiment, scanning label option includes Color format（Color format）Setting, File type（File format）Setting and Resolution（Resolution）Setting.In this example embodiment, the value of these three settings is respectively RGB24bits、PDF/A（ISO19005-1compliant）And 200.Each setting has option, by using the option, For example, being chosen to it, user can change the value of each setting on using the scanning means of the scanning label.
2. destination data
Fig. 3 is referred again to, destination data 320 is used to indicate the more than one destination of scan data, the scan data Generated based on scanning setting data 310.In this example embodiment, destination data 320 is used to indicate multiple destinations, its bag Include eMail（Email）（Such as one specific e-mail address）、SharePoint（Shared point）（It is for example to be located at Storage device outside scanning management system 100）And network folder.Scanning server 140（Will be described below）Use mesh Ground data 320 determine for scan data to be stored in where.
Fig. 5 is to scan data to be sent to the permission keeper in one embodiment（It is based on corresponding Scanning setting is generated）More than one destination specified, the graphic user interface 500 that is provided by SMC112 The figure that is indicated of example.Interface 500 includes textview field, and it is that the scanning corresponding to scanning means is based on sets that it allows keeper Scanned document that is fixed and generating specifies name prefix.
Interface 500 also includes that keeper is used to specify the option of more than one destination.In this example embodiment, there are three kinds of mesh Ground：Network folder, Email and cloud storage service.In related embodiment, interface 500 can allow keeper Specify multiple network folders or e-mail address of more than one.In this example embodiment, interface 500 also provides option, to it When being chosen, it is allowed to scanning means（For example, scanning means 130）User carry out being defined using corresponding scan process More than one e-mail address is input into during scan operation.
Interface 500 can also have " email me（Sent e-mails to oneself）" option, be selected when, it is allowed to user （The user of scanning means）Scan image/document is sent to user E-mail address in itself.For the E-mail address to user The Email identification data that account is identified can be stored in definition server 120, and may be in response to carry out self-scanning dress Put the request of 130 scan process definition and be sent to scanning means 130.Alternatively, Email identification data also can quilt Store in scanning means 130, when scanning means 130 is defined using the scan process with selected " email me ", Scanning means 130 can recognize that E-mail address therein.
In another optional embodiment, scan process defines 300 does not include destination data.In the present embodiment, Scanning server 140 uses more than one Else Rule（Will be described in more detail below）To determine to be stored in scan data Where.
3. access privilege data
Fig. 3 is referred again to, access privilege data 330 are used to that whom to be indicated be allowed access to scan process definition 300.User Access right data 330 may indicate that any（All）The user that user can define more than 300, one group using scan process can 300 can be defined with using scan process definition 300 or more than one individual using scan process.Then, if user Access right data 330 indicates " All（All）", then any finger on group or individual in access privilege data 330 Establishing a capital to be ignored.Access privilege data 330 can specify more than one group and more than one individual.So, example Such as, access privilege data 330 may specify user 1, user 2 and the group 3 including user 1, user 4 and user 5.Quilt The user for specifying can directly access multiple scan process definition, or, multiple scan process can be accessed together with the member in group Definition.
Fig. 6 be in one embodiment allow keeper to may have access to that corresponding scan process defines one with On user and/or more than one group of user specified, the example of graphic user interface 600 that is provided by SMC112 enters The figure that row is represented.In this example, " Security " is selected.Being somebody's turn to do " Security " option includes two frames：One frame is used for table Show group name/user's list of file names, another frame is used to specify the licensed option of predesignated subscriber or group, for example, " Full Control （Full control）”、“Read Only（It is read-only）" and " Modify（Modification）" etc..The pre- of definition is processed if access scan is allowed Determine user and have selected " Read Only ", then the predesignated subscriber makes scanning means 130 send scan process to server 120 is defined The request of definition, defines server 120 and sends scan process definition and license data to scanning means 130.Based on " Read The licensed option of Only ", scanning means 130 can prevent user from being modified to data and option in scan process definition etc.. " Full Control " is have selected if the predesignated subscriber for allowing access scan to process definition, then the predesignated subscriber is allowed to visit Ask all operations in scan process definition（For example, reading and writing, deletion）, including to access permission status be changed.If For the predesignated subscriber for allowing access scan to process definition have selected " Modify ", then the predesignated subscriber is also allowed to perform at scanning All operations in reason definition（For example, reading and writing, deletion）But, it is not allowed to be changed the permission status for accessing.It is right In predetermined licensed option, if " Allow（License）" and " Deny（Refusal）" be not all selected, then it is right to be defaulted as " Full Control " and " Modify " the two licensed options carry out " Deny（Refusal）", and " Read " licensed option is carried out “Allow（License）”.
In related embodiment, interface 600 allows the low granularity ground invisible scanning of keeper to process the permission status of definition. For example, user can be allowed to modification scanning setting data, but, it is only capable of carrying out read-only access to destination data, and not The user right data of scan process definition can be conducted interviews.
Interface 600 also includes " Add（It is additional）" button, it allows keeper to additional new group in user/group name list Name or user name, also comprising " Remove（Delete）" button, its allow keeper deleted from user/group name list user name or Group name.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, scan process defines 300 does not include access privilege data 330.In the present embodiment In, define server 120（Will be described in more detail below）Use more than one Else Rule（It will be carried out in detail below State）Whether the user to determine scanning means 130 is authorized to scan process and defines 300.
4. optional data
Refer again to Fig. 3, growth data 340 is optional data, scan process definition in can with or can not be found.As schemed Shown in 3, growth data 340 may include much information, for example, invoice number, more than one particular content（It is detailed）, link, And annotate, each all can in association be stored with the scan data generated based on scanning setting data 310. Additionally or alternatively, growth data 340 may also include for scanning means 130, for scanning server 140, and/or for sweeping Retouch the instruction of other services outside management system 100.
5. definitions example
In one embodiment, scan process definition is defined as XML format, and it can be scanned device 130 and read solution.In It is that scan process defines file and may include XML document, it includes more than one corresponding with foregoing much information wanting Element, i.e. for scan the key element of setting data, the key element for destination data, the key element for access privilege data, And for the key element of growth data.
Fig. 7 is the figure being indicated to the example of the scan process definition in one embodiment.Scan process definition includes： （1）The appointed scanning setting data in " ScanTicket " key element, and（2）In " FiltersToProcess " key element Appointed destination data.
C. server is defined
It is a kind of computing device to define server 120, and it includes more than one processor and more than one for right The storage medium that instruction is stored, when those instructions are handled by more than one processor, performs predetermined operation.Such as Preceding described, the function of administrator terminal 110 and definition server 120 synergistically can be located in identical computing device.
Define the storage scan process definition of server 120.Defining server 120 can be in this definition server 120 to sweeping Retouch treatment definition data to be locally stored, or it is carried out to be far apart storage, depending on specific treatment.Define server 120 can also store scan process that is corresponding with the definition of more than one scan process and being identified to it defines data is carried out Storage.The request that server 120 is configured to scan process definition of the response from SMC112 is defined, to administrator terminal 110 The requested content of institute is sent, so that it enters edlin.If for example, keeper thinks that change is based on administrator terminal 110 Predetermined scan process definition and the storage location of scan data that generates, then keeper SMC120 is sent predetermined sweep this The request for the treatment of definition is retouched, then, is shown by SMC112.By SMC112, keeper is at the predetermined scanning Specified destination data is changed in reason definition, to specify new storage location, for example, e-mail address or network File, it is not designated before in scan process definition.
One is not intended to limit the server 120 that defines of the invention and realizes that example is Microsoft ' sActive Directory Server。
Defining server 120 can be configured to be supported the version for the treatment of definition.For example, define server 120 can Safeguard the present version of scan process definition, safeguard scan process definition it is more than one before version, and allow Each version of SMC112 request scan process definition.For example, the transmittable ID of SMC112（Identifier）The request of list, the ID lists For being identified to defining all scan process stored in server 120 definition.The ID lists may include：（1）First The definition name of scan process definition, also " v1 " including this definition,（2）The identical definition name of the second scan process definition, also wraps Include " v2 " of this definition.Used as another example, SMC112 can in the request specify the name of more than one scan process definition Claim or ID（For example, " legal Dept "）.If multiple scan process definition are associated with the name and ID, server is defined 120 transmission lists, the list is used to that each definition to be distinguished and identified（For example, being carried out by " v1 ", " v2 " etc.）.
Server 120 is defined also to be configured to from scanning means（For example, scanning means 130）Scan process definition Request is responded.Request from scanning means includes that defining server 120 is used to be selected from the definition of multiple scan process More than one scan process defines used data.Such data include ID data and/or authentication data, for example with sweep The username and password that the associated user of imaging apparatus 130 is provided.For example, user can be used what scanning means 130 was provided Input through keyboard its username and password.After receiving authentication data, server 120 pairs and sweeping that the authentication data is associated are defined Treatment definition is retouched to be determined.For example, define server 120 can determine that it is more than one with the authentication data direct correlation Scan process is defined.In addition, define server 120 can be determined whether based on the authentication data and group（group）Closed Connection.If "Yes", then define server 120 and more than one group is identified, then, it is determined that going out and for being recognized The associated scan process definition of every group of group above.
After identifying more than one scan process definition based on the request from scanning means 130, server 120 is defined Scan process is provided to scanning means 130 define ID data.Scan process defines ID data to be used to specify more than one scanning Treatment definition.Scan process defines ID data and may include actual more than one scan process definition（Scanning label, destination Deng）Or, can only specify more than one scan process to define.In the latter case, scanning means 130 is filled with scanning Putting 130 associated display screen displays is used to recognize the data of more than one scan process definition.Scanning means 130 is allowed User defines from more than one scan process and selected in identifier scan process definition identifier.Be have selected specifically receiving Scan process define identifier input after, scanning means 130 to define server 120 send selection data, the selection number According to for representing that the selected scan process of user is defined.Afterwards, define server 120 and send selected to scanning means 130 Scan process definition.
D. scanning means
Scanning means 130 is a kind of computing device, is configured to process scanning operation, and each scanning means is based on more than one Scanning setting（It is specified in the scanning setting data of acquired scan process definition from server 120 is defined）Generation Scan data.Scanning means 130 may include more than one hardware, firmware and software elements, for allowing scanning means to hold Some are operated row, for example, receive input and being communicated with definition server 120, performing scan operation and scanning server 140 Communicated and data storage etc. in local storage.
Scanning means 130 is not limited to only carry out the device of scanning, and scanning means 130 can also have other functions.Example Such as, scanning means 130 can be multifunction peripheral（MFP）Device, other functions with such as printing, fax sending and receiving, archive etc..
The scan data that scanning means 130 is generated may include one group of more than one image file, and each can be any Picture format, such as PDF or TIFF.
Scanning means 130 includes the interface for allowing user to start scanning operation.The interface may include for display data Display screen and the optional button for starting scanning operation.Scanning means 130 may also include other buttons, and some can be physics Button, other can be graphic button.
Scanning means 130 can be configured to ask to use before user is allowed to the scan operation of starting scanning means 130 Family certification.For example, scanning means 130 can have attached mark reader, it can read authentication data from the mark of user. Used as another example, scanning means 130 can allow user input authentication data by the user interface of the scanning means.The data Can be to be scanned the more than one value that device 130 reads, and scanned device 130 is sent to definition server 120 with to this User is authenticated.
After based on scanning operation generation scan data, scanning means 130 sends the scan data to scanning server 140. Scanning means 130 can be sent to scanning server 140 scan data based on destination data.Destination data can be used to know Other scanning server 140, or, or a kind of simple instruction, for indicating system 100 to process scan data. Destination data can be designated in the scan process definition that be used to generate scan data, or, can be by scanning means 130 User specifies.
Alternatively, scanning means 130 is configured to automatically be sent to scanning server 140 after scan data is generated and sweeps Retouch data（For example, one group of more than one scan image）.
In addition to scan data, scanning means 130 also can send other data to scanning server 140.Such number ID data and/or destination data are defined according to including scan process, specifically be will be explained hereinafter.
In one embodiment, scanning means 130 is communicated using standard agreement with scanning server 140.Standard is assisted One example of view is Distributed Scan Processing Web Service agreements.The agreement is used XML Scheme described in Distributed Scan Processing Web Service Scheme.
E. scanning server
Scanning server 140 is a kind of computing device, including more than one processor and the storage for store instruction Medium, when those instructions are performed by more than one processor, is performed some operations.Alternatively, scanning server 140 It is a kind of computing device, including for performing the special logic hardware of aforesaid operations.
Scanning server 140 is received and comes from scanning means 130（And alternatively, not illustrated more than one scanning in figure Device）Scan data, and stored the scan data based on more than one rule.The more than one rule includes referring to Show and scan data is stored in where.If for example, the scan data from scanning means 130 is swept with destination data Retouch server 140 and more than one destination specified by scan data to destination data can be transmitted.The example bag of destination Include network folder（For example, being " Local for being located relative to scanning server 140（Locally）" network in）, third party Storage device（For example, be located at being far apart in network）Or one group of more than one e-mail address.Destination data also can table Show the combination of these destination examples.In addition, destination data can be provided by the user of scanning means 130, be comprised in from In scan process definition acquired by definition server 140, or both.For example,（1）User can be input into personal email ground Location, scanning server 140 can be sent to the personal email address scan data；（2）The selected scan process of user Definition may include network folder title, and scanning server 140 can be by scan data storage in the network folder.
Alternatively, scanning server 140 can be configured to carry out the scan data from scanning operation in same position Storage.Such embodiment can be used for all of scanning operation, or, it is only used for scan data therein without purpose The scanning operation of ground data.
In one embodiment, before scan data is stored in more than one destination, scanning server 140 Scan process is set to define validation（Referred herein as " receive definition "）, it includes being set for the scanning for generating scan data. Validation can relate to scanning server 140 and send reception definition to server 120 is defined（That is, from determining that scanning means 130 is obtained Justice）.Define server 120 and judge that reception defines whether to determine with the scan process that definition server 120 is provided to scanning means 130 Justice（Referred to here as " original definition "）Match." matching " can refer to that two scan process definition match completely.Alternatively, " matching " can Finger has been designated as the more than one part and the corresponding more than one portion for receiving definition of immutable original definition Divide and match completely.The definition of whole scan process, a part for scan process definition can be directed to or the number of scan process definition is represented According to the validation for being scanned treatment definition.For example, scanning server 140 can be sent at expression scanning to server 120 is defined Manage the Hash data of definition.Define its of the Hash data that will be received from scanning means 140 of server 120 and scan process definition He is contrasted Hash data.
If defining server 120 provides the response for representing and receiving and define and match with original definition, scan service Device 140 continues with scan data.Otherwise, scanning server 140 can send to scanning means 130 and represent that what be recognized above-mentioned connects Receipts are defined as invalid notice.In addition, scanning server 140 can not also make scan data be stored in specified destination.
In one embodiment, scanning server 140 has logout（event log）, for recording different scanning The information of business.The logout can represent which scanning means take part in scanning business, scanning for each scanning business is preserved Business be when be performed, the definition of which scan process is used, corresponding scan data is stored in where, who The error type for started scanning business, occurring（During scanning service fail）, scan data information（For example, number of pages, file are big It is small（MB）, page-size etc.）, and/or scanning setting whether or which data for being modifiable by the user etc..Logout can be deposited Store up in the identical device or the device of separation for performing scanning server.The task manager for scanning server separate can quilt Be configured to be managed the subscription of event, logout is analyzed with judge whether to there occurs event interested, with And, in response to event interested generation to related event subscription be associated more than one event pond send event Notify.
F. example is processed
Fig. 8 be to one embodiment in Distributed Scans management（DSM）The place of operation treatment is scanned in system The flow chart that reason process 800 is indicated.In step 805, keeper generates scan process and defines using SMC112, and it includes sweeping Retouch setting data, destination data, user/group access authority and rear scan instruction, the rear scan instruction is by scanned service Handled by device.The destination data can be used to recognize scanning server 140.
In step 810, scan process definition（SPD）It is sent to and is stored in and defines server 120.
In step 815, the user of scanning means 130 provides authentication data to scanning means 130.
In step 820, scanning means 130 sends user authentication data to server 120 is defined.Define server 120 The definition of pair more than one scan process being associated with the user authentication data is determined.
In step 825, define server 120 and send scan process definition ID data to scanning means 130.Scan process As definition server 120, the more than one scan process based on determined by user authentication data is determined for indicating to define ID data Justice.Scan process define ID data may include label for example as specified by generating the keeper that scan process is defined or, Based on the label that the information that keeper is provided is generated by computer.
In step 830, scanning means 130 makes more than one user interface object be displayed in the aobvious of scanning means 130 In display screen.Each user interface object is corresponding with specified scan process definition in scan process definition data.User Interface object can be performed as the menu option in such as graphic button or menu option list.
In step 835, user selects the predetermined scan process corresponding with scan process definition to define ID data. Scan process is defined in the case of define identifier comprising scan process in ID data, and each scan process defines identifier can be with （a）The graphic button being displayed on the display screen of scanning means 130 is associated, Huo Zheyu（b）Adjoin the physical button of display screen It is associated.Then, the selection of the button that the selection of scan process definition identifier is related to and mark is associated.
In step 840, scanning means 130 sends selected scan process definition identifier to server 120 is defined. The real data for being sent to definition server 120 can be different from shown identifier.For example, scan process defines identifier Can behave readable（human-readable）Label（For example, " CEODef "）, when the identifier is shown, it is fixed to be sent to The real data of adopted server 120 can be entirely different with it, for example, the real data can be corresponding with scan process definition Code, for example, " spd023988561 ".
In step 845, define server 120 and send signified by selected scan process mark to scanning means 130 Fixed scan process definition.In one embodiment, the user being certified is allowed to repair more than one of scan process definition Part.For example, the user being certified can change（a）More than one sweeping in the scanning setting data of scan process definition Retouch setting,（b）Scan process definition more than one rear scan instruction or（c）Scan data scanning clothes to be sent Business device.Scan process definition can be comprising for representing that scan process is defined（Or a part therein）By repairing that user have modified Change data.
In step 850, scanning server 130 perform used it is specified more than one in scan process definition The scan operation of setting is scanned, and generates scan data.For example, scan data can behave as what is scanned by scanning means 130 More than one printed document.
In step 855, scanning server 130 is based on destination data specified during scan process is defined and is taken to scanning Business device 140 sends scan data（For example, more than one image）.Scanning means 130 can also send to scanning server 140 and sweep Retouch arbitrary rear scan instruction specified during treatment is defined.For example, the sending destination data of scanning means 130, it is used to refer to Determine that scan data sends into more than one destination by scanning server 140 which.As further embodiment, sweep Imaging apparatus 130 can be transmitted peration data, and it is used to be identified more than one operation, and the more than one operation makes to sweep Data are retouched to be saved（Or other data are generated according to the scan data）Scan data is processed before.Such operation can Comprising for generating text data（For example, Word document）Optical character identification（OCR）Treatment, this article notebook data is then protected Deposit；And encipherment protection, it is to scan data（Or come from the data of the scan data）It is encrypted protection treatment.
In an optional embodiment, replace and send scan data to scanning server 140, scanning means 130 is outside Apply in portion（Do not show in Fig. 1）Scan data is sent, the applications are located at the outside of scanning management system 100.In the present embodiment In, scanning means 130 may also provide additional information, for example, how processing scan data or how to extract number from scan data According to instruction etc..For example, scanning means 130 may indicate that applications perform the OCR operation to scan data, to generate and preserve Editable text data.Used as another example, scanning means can indicate outside answering before being preserved to scan data With to scan data（Or come from the data of the scan data）It is encrypted protection.
In step 860, scanning server 140 is communicated with server 120 is defined, so as to be existed by scanning means 130 Scan process used in scan operation defines validation.
In step 865, scanning server 140 is based on specified rear scan instruction treatment in scan process definition and sweeps Retouch data.Scan process instruction afterwards can include destination data, and it is to be sent and be stored in one that it is used for invisible scanning data Which in the above object ground.Then, step 865 can relate to make scan data be stored in more than one destination, example Such as, it is stored in a predetermined network folder, or, scan data is sent to a certain E-mail address as annex.Can Selection of land, scanning server 140 can be configured to always be sent to scan data and be saved to same position, for example, always It is scan data is sent to same E-mail address or scan data is preserved to consolidated network file.Alternatively or additionally Ground, scanning server 140 can be configured to state scan data or the scanning metadata of data（Given birth to by scanning means 130 Into）It is analyzed, to judge that scan data is saved to where.For example, the metadata of scan data can be used to specify user （The user of scan operation is started）Title（Or identifier）, also, the title is mapped to predetermined storage location, example Such as, e-mail address.
III. the support of metadata
In one embodiment, scanning server 140 is processed metadata, and the metadata is associated with scan data What ground was sent, and generated and sent by scanning means 130.The rear scan instruction that metadata is defined with scan process is not It is same and disconnected from each other.Metadata may be from more than one source（source）, for example, the unit being specified in scan process definition Metadata specified by data, the user of scanned device 130 and by scanning means 130 from outside scanning means 130 Source acquired in metadata.These sources are described below.
A. growth data
In one embodiment, administrator terminal 110 provides user interface, and it allows keeper to specify growth data（Example Such as, growth data 340）, the growth data will be comprised in scan process definition in.Such interface is referred to herein as " to be expanded Exhibition data UI ".The scanned device 130 of growth data is used so that metadata and the treatment in response to scanning operation and generate Scan data set up association.
In one embodiment, growth data is comprised in independent hardware provider（IHV）In extension point, IHV extensions Point is located in scan process definition, and is XML format.IHV extension point start mark example for "<ihv>”.
Fig. 9 be to one embodiment in the definition of the scan process comprising growth data the figure that is indicated of example. In this example, growth data is located in three IHV key elements.First IHV key element includes URL, and scanning means 130 is obtained from the URL Information.The URL specifies one for submitting receipt to（receipt）Expense（expense）The webpage of system.Second IHV Key element is report on expenses identifier, and it is associated with scan data, and the scan data is sweeping during scan process to be based on is defined The data retouched setting data and be generated.3rd IHV key element is annotation domain（comment field）, it can be in scanned dress GUI is set to be displayed on scanning means 130 after putting 130 treatment, wherein, the GUI is used to point out user to be input into, also, the note Domain is released to be coexisted with the scan data to be generated as " comments ".
In one embodiment, growth data UI generates/edits scan process and defines with above-mentioned permission user（Here by Referred to as " define UI "）User interface separate.Alternatively, define UI and include growth data UI functions.In other words, at keeper's end Only one of which UI on end 110, also, the UI allows keeper to generate/edit scan process definition and swept for more than one Retouch treatment definition and specify growth data.
Growth data UI can simply include a Text Entry, for allowing keeper to specify growth data.So, The function of growth data UI is exactly a simple text editor.Then, if scan process definition is XML data, manage Reason person can be required to specify all of growth data, comprising all of necessary XML format.If keeper is fixed in scan process Appropriate form is not assigned to growth data in justice, then scanning means 130 may not carry out appropriate solution to growth data Read.
Alternatively, growth data includes more than one tA entry field, and each is associated with XML key elements, and can quilt In interleave scan treatment definition.When the growth data specified by keeper's want to save, it is appropriate that user interface is configured to generation Key element mark（And, alternatively, flag attribute data）, it can be scanned device 130 and read to solve and debate knowledge.
B. the treatment of growth data
After receiving scan process definition, scanning means 130 is analyzed to find growth data to scan process definition. For example, scanning means 130 judges that scan process defines whether to extend point data comprising IHV, for example, scan process defines whether bag Containing IHV marks（tag）Deng.If without growth data is found in scan process definition, scanning means 130 is carried out normally Treatment；It is, being scanned to more than one printed document based on the scanning setting data in scan process definition.Scanning Treatment definition in whether comprising growth data judge can scanning means 130 generation scanning operation scan data before or Carry out afterwards.
In one embodiment, scanning means 130 includes XML Scheme Definition（XSD）, scanning means 130 Judge whether growth data meets XSD using the XSD.If do not met, it is believed that before scanning means 130 is reached, Growth data（Or corresponding scan process definition）It is modified（Or be tampered）.
1. external data
In one embodiment, scanning means 130 obtains data using growth data from external source.For example, at scanning IHV key elements in reason definition can include key element（For example, "<external element”）Or attribute, its expression relate to outside Source.Scanning means 130 is configured to such key element（Or attribute）Enter with other key elements or attribute in scan process definition Row is distinguished.Expression in scan process definition relate to the data referred to herein as " external source data " of external source.
If growth data includes external source data, such data can include the address of external source or data（For example, IP address）, it is associated with such address, and is stored in scanning means 130.For example, scanning means 130 preserves outside Association between the IP address of source A and external source A.Afterwards, when it is determined that external source data is represented " external source A " Afterwards, scanning means 130 is sent to external source A using IP address and asked.
If growth data includes external source data, such data also can be comprising for indicating to ask assorted to external source Data.For example, the number of next invoice can be asked（Or the number of the invoice not generated also）.From scanning means After 130 receive such request for asking next invoice number, external source determine one by with corresponding scanning Operation（Or produced scan data）Associated invoice number.
After data are received from external source, the data are set up and associated by scanning means 130 with scan data.From external source The data for receiving referred to herein as " external data ".Scanning means 130 to scanning server 140 send the external data and Scan data.Scanning means 130 can send external data before or after the and then scan data.
Alternatively, scanning means 130 is in the identical message comprising scan data（message）Middle transmission external data.
i）Scene case
Here is the example of the external source data in how being defined using scan process.In this embodiment, external source data bag Containing instruction, asked for sending invoice data to such as invoice server.External source data may specify more than one parameter（Example Such as, user rs credentials, data area etc.）, it should be comprised in request.Correspondingly, scanning means 130 sends to invoice server The specified request in external source data（And parameter therein）.
Invoice server is responded by obtaining invoice information from invoice database with to above-mentioned request, the invoice number Local data base is can be according to storehouse, be may also be and be far apart database relative to invoice server.Invoice server is to scanning means 130 Invoice information is sent, the scanning means 130 is shown at least a portion of the invoice information.For example, scanning means 130 shows Multiple invoice numbers, each number can be selected by the user of scanning means 130.User may be selected one of invoice number Code.
After the scanning setting data that scanning means 130 is based in scan process definition performs scan operation, scanning Device 130 sends selected invoice number, scan data and rear scan instruction to scanning server 140.Invoice number can It is embedded in as the metadata of scan data, or, simply can be coexisted with scan data, and sent as scan data To scanning server 140.
Scanning server 140 is processed scan data according to rear scan instruction, and the treatment is included makes scan data quilt It is stored in more than one storage location.Scanning server 140 also can define scan process to be had relative to definition server 120 Effectization.
When scan data in a plurality of ways in a kind of mode be stored in a certain storage location after, to third party's service example As invoice server is notified.For example, invoice server can be periodically（For example, every 2 minutes）It is polled to storage location. Used as another example, network folder can be processed with monitoring（listener process）Association is set up, monitoring treatment is used Detected in network folder when is saved to scan data.Afterwards, monitor treatment carries out its institute to invoice server The notice of the event for listening to.After having notice, invoice server obtains scan data and associated metadata（It includes institute The invoice number of selection）, and scan data and metadata are stored in database in association.As another example, often When scanning server 140 according to after scan instruction successfully processed scan data after, scanning server 140 is all in event system Logout in preserve event information.Event system can be configured to when event is stored in logout at other Reason is serviced（For example, invoice server etc.）Notified.As another example, scanning server 140 can be configured to Scanning means 130 is scanned the notice that data have successfully been saved（For example, being notified by " event notice "）. After having notice, scanning means 130 can be configured to be serviced to other（Fig. 1 is not shown）Data are scanned to be ready for being located The notice of reason.Notice below may simply be the notice for allowing other services to be scanned data processing, or, it is possible to provide how The extra-instruction of processing scan data, for example, extracting certain data from scan data, building the data extracted and other data Vertical association and, the data extracted and other data are stored in a certain storage location etc..
The Scene case there is also very big difference in various embodiments.In a possible implementation, scanning Device 130 stores selected invoice number in association with operation ID.Scanning means 130 is sent out then to scanning server 140 Send selected invoice number, operation ID and rear scan instruction.The rear of scanning server 140 sends to definition server 120 Notify and operation ID.After defining the reception operation of server 120 ID, propose what is be associated with operation ID to scanning server 140 The request of invoice information.After receiving invoice information from scanning server 140, define server 120 and sent to invoice server Invoice information.Then, invoice server obtains scan data from storage location, and the storage location is referred in rear scan instruction It is fixed.Invoice server can be configured to obtain information from storage location, or, can be configured to use what is be associated with operation ID Storage location data recognize storage location first, then obtain information from storage location.
2. user input
In one embodiment, scanning means 130 receives user input using growth data, its can by with scanning operation Scan data set up association.For example, the IHV key elements in scan process definition can include a key element（For example, "<user input>”）, it is used for expression and there is user input.The data for representing user input presence in scan process definition Referred to herein as " number of users input data ".
If including user input data in growth data, the generation user interface of scanning means 130, it allows scanning to fill Putting 130 user carries out the input of data, for example, the keyboard that voice data or use are provided by scanning means 130 is input into Text data.The data genaration user interface in user input data can be based on, referred herein as " inputting interface data ".Change Yan Zhi, scanning means 130 is configured to read inputting interface data and based on data interface data genaration user interface.So, User input data how the data that are reflected in user input can be also scanned server 140 format and/or process into Row definition.
Alternatively, the user interface for being generated by scanning means 130 is not based on user input data and generates. That is, scanning means 130 can be configured to generate user interface in response to the detection of user input data.
When by user interface（No matter how user interface generates）After receiving user input, scanning means 130 User input and scan data are sent to scanning server 140（The scan data is that scanning means 130 is defined based on scan process In specified scanning setting generated）.
3. data are passed through
In one embodiment, scanning means 130 is by the scan data of at least a portion of growth data and scanning operation Set up association.For example, the IHV key elements in scan process definition can include a key element（For example, "<pass through>”）Or Person's attribute, for representing key element（Or be associated with attribute）Data will be associated with the scan data for being generated.So Data be referred to herein as " by data ".Scanning means 130 is specified by data, and the institute in being defined based on scan process After the more than one scanning setting generation scan data specified, sent to scanning server 140 and pass through data and scan data. Scanning means 130 also can be transmitted destination data or rear scan instruction, for indicating scanning server 140 by scan data and leading to Data storage is crossed in where.One by data is in scanning server 140 using example（Or the scan data for being generated will Stored destination）It is middle to perform image procossing and/or file format conversion using by data.
IV. rights management service
According to one embodiment, Distributed Scans management system 100 and rights management service（RMS）It is associated.RMS is used for Certain scan data may have access to whom, when allow to carry out the access, and/or allow what kind of access to limit.For example, Can be limited to A groups and B groups be uniquely accessible certain specific scan data group.The user of A groups is allowed at any time may be used The specific scan data is conducted interviews, and the user of B groups then only operationally between be allowed access to the specific scan data.Separately Outward, the user of A groups is allowed to carry out the specific scan data some operations, for example, can read, print, replicating, forwarding the tool Swept-volume data, and the metadata of the specific scan data can be modified.On the other hand, the user of B groups be only permitted into The operation that row is read out and prints to the specific scan data.Here, for whom to be represented, when, and/or how to scanning number It is referred to as " rights management data " according to the access right data for conducting interviews.
A. the source of rights management data
Rights management data can be defined within more than one position.For example, rights management data can be by keeper in pipe It is defined in reason person's terminal 110.Administrator terminal 110 provides user interface, and it is configured to allow keeper at scanning Rights management data defined in reason definition, for example, being determined rights management data in the growth data of scan process definition Justice.
Figure 10 be to one embodiment in the figure that is indicated of definition of the scan process comprising rights management data.At this In example, rights management data is located in IHV key elements, and is represented as " everyone-read-only（Everyone is only Read）”.
Used as another example, rights management data can be defined by the user of scanning means 130.Then, scanning means 130 provide user interface, and it allows the user of scanning means 130 to be defined rights management data.User interface can be based on Scan process definition in growth data and generate.Alternatively, scanning means 130 can be configured to provide user interface, and it is permitted Family allowable sets rights management data to be independent of any portion of mode of scan process definition.No matter in which scene In, if not including rights management data in the definition of selected scan process, the user of scanning means 130 can be scanning number According to rights management data " from scratch " is defined, the scan data is generated based on the definition of selected scan process 's.
In a related embodiment, one group of predetermined part of the rights management data of scan data can be defined within In scan process definition, scan process definition be used to generate one group of predetermined scan data, meanwhile, the rights management number According to another part can be defined by generating one group of predetermined user of the scanning means of scan data 130.
In one embodiment, the growth data in the scan process definition comprising rights management data may be used to indicate power Limit management data whether or its which part can be by scanning means（For example, scanning means 130）On changed.For example, spreading number It is not allowed to change any rights management data according to the user that may indicate that scanning means.Used as another example, expanding data can refer to Show scanning means user can only carry out the additional of additional restriction and, can not carry out it is specified in rights management data The operation of the deletion of any restriction.Used as another example, growth data may indicate that the user of scanning means is only allowed and carry out Change " who may have access to scan data " and be not allowed to " what kind of access of modifying（For example, read, print, replicating, Delete）Can be allowed to " operation.
B. preceding scanning server method
Figure 11 be to one embodiment in and rights management service（RMS）The associated Distributed Scans of server 1100 Management system（100）The block diagram being indicated.RMS server 1100 and the application based on RMS（For example, web browser, electronics Mail applications, document processing application and image display application etc.）Work together, to prevent electronic information by the use of unauthorized Family accesses.RMS server 1100 uses protection technique（For example, encryption, certificate and certification etc.）To help generate reliable letter Breath guard method.
In the illustrated embodiment, scanning means 130 is configured to communicably 1110 be connected with RMS services, with RMS Server 1100 is communicated.RMS services 1110 and RMS server 1100 can be carried by different groups or identical group For.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, scanning means 130 does not carry out the connection that can be communicated with RMS services 1110, but performs RMS services 1110, then, it is configured to directly（It is in one embodiment via network）Carried out with RSM servers 1100 Communication.
Figure 12 be to one embodiment in the processing procedure 1200 of application rights management data in scanning means 130 enter The flow chart that row is represented.
In step 1210, scanning means 130 is swept based on scanning setting data generation specified in scan process definition Retouch data.
In step 1220, the identification of scanning means 130 rights management data.The rights management data can be by scanning means 130 user is specified in scanning means 130.Alternatively, the authority pipe in the definition of the identification of scanning means 130 scan process Reason data.For example, the expansion that scanning means 130 is defined to scan process（For example, IHV extends point）It is analyzed and to this Rights management data in part is detected.
Same point before step 1220, scanning means 130 can have been received that what is generated by RMS server 1100 Client licensor certificate（CLC）.
In step 1230, scanning means 130 is encrypted using symmetric key to scan data, and it is then taken by RMS The public-key cryptography of business device 1100 is encrypted.
In step 1240, distribution license of the generation of scanning means 130 comprising rights management data and symmetric key （publishing license）.Afterwards, distribution license is bundled to file.Only RMS server 1100 can be issued and used License（use license）, it is decrypted with to the scan data encrypted.
In step 1250, scanning means 130 sends the scan data of encryption to scanning server 140 and distribution is permitted. Before encryption scan data is sent, scanning means 130 can will issue the metadata of license embedment file, and this document includes encryption Scan data.
In step 1260, scanning server 140 is saved encryption scan data and distribution license.As it was previously stated, sweeping Retouching server 140 can be configured to preserve scan data in certain position in advance.Alternatively, scanning means 130 can warp-wise Scanning server 140 have sent destination data, encryption scan data and distribution license.Then, scanning server 140 makes Determine that encryption scan data and distribution license are saved to where with the destination data, for example, being saved to scan service Certain attached network folder of device 140.
In step 1270, recipient uses the application based on RMS（Do not show in Figure 11）（For example, media demo application）To RMS server 1100 sends the request using license.Account certificate of the request bag containing recipient（account certificate）（Its public-key cryptography for including recipient）Permit with distribution.
In step 1280, RMS server 1100 confirms whether recipient is certified, and checks whether recipient is name User, and generate use license.In this process, RMS server 1100 uses the key of RMS server 1100 to " symmetrical close Key " is decrypted, and " symmetric key " is re-encrypted using the public-key cryptography of recipient, and the session key that will be encrypted （session key）Add and use license.The step ensures that only expected recipient can be decrypted to " symmetric key ", enters And protected file is decrypted.RMS server 1100 can be also added using license any related condition, for example, Can using license, using or repulsion time limit etc. of operating system add and use license.Such condition can be specified in authority In management data.
C. scanning server method after
Figure 13 be to one embodiment in the Distributed Scans management system 1300 being associated with RMS server 1100 enter The block diagram that row is represented.In the present embodiment, RMS services 1310 service 1110 similar to RMS, unlike, scanning server 140 After processing scan data, RMS services 1310 ability processing scan datas.RMS services 1310 and DSM systems are shown in Figure 13 100 connections that can be communicated, however, RMS services 1310 also can will preserve the more than one of scan data with scanning server 140 The connection that storage location can communicate.During one in storage location can be located at DSM systems 100, for example, relative to DSM systems 100 It is local network folder.But, one in storage location may be alternatively located at outside DSM systems 100, for example, relative to DMS System 100 is the electronic mail account or storage device being far apart.
In an optional embodiment, RMS services 1310 are in scanning server 140 or more than one storage location It is performed in one, scan data can be preserved in the more than one storage location.
Figure 14 be to one embodiment in the processing procedure 1400 of application rights management data in scanning means 130 enter The flow chart that row is represented.In step 1405, scanning means 130 is based on scanning setting data specified during scan process is defined Generation scan data.
In step 1410, the identification of scanning means 130 rights management data.The rights management data can be by scanning means 130 user is set in scanning means 130.Alternatively, scanning means 130 pairs sweeps rights management data in treatment definition It is identified.For example, scanning means 130 is to the expansion in scan process definition（For example, IHV extension points）It is analyzed, And the rights management data in the part is detected.
In step 1415, scanning means 130 manages data to the sending permission of scanning server 140（RMD）With scanning number According to rather than to RMS service 1310 sending permissions management data.
In step 1420, scanning server 140 makes rights management data be saved in association with scan data.Authority Management data can be saved by the metadata as scan data.As it was previously stated, scanning server 140 can be used is included in scanning Process the destination data of definition to determine for scan data and rights management data to be stored in where, for example, Email Storage device outside address, network folder or distributed management system 100.
In step 1425, scan data and rights management data is set to preserve to precalculated position in scanning server 140, RMS services 1310 determine that scan data is available in the precalculated position.RMS services 1310 can be determined using various ways. For example, RMS services 1310 can be polled to network folder, electronic mail account or shared storage account periodically, to sentence Whether break after last time poll has scan data and rights management data to be stored in there.As another example, monitoring treatment （listener process）The detection of the storage of the scan data in the precalculated position can be carried out, and is sent to RMS services 1310 Message.
In step 1430, scan data is being determined after precalculated position is to can use, RMS services 1310 are using symmetrical Key is encrypted to scan data.Then, distribution license is bundled to file.Only RMS server 1100 can be issued and used License, is decrypted with to the scan data encrypted.
In step 1435, the generation distribution license of RMS services 1310, it includes rights management data and symmetric key.So Afterwards, distribution license is bundled to file.Only RMS server 1100 can be issued using license, entered with to the scan data encrypted Row decryption.
In step 1440, RMS services 1310 are saved the scan data of encryption and distribution license.Make sweeping for encryption Retouch data and distribution license be saved before, RMS service 1310 can will issue license embedment file metadata, wherein comprising plus Close scan data.The scan data of encryption and distribution license are stored in identical position, and RMS services 1310 can read therefrom Take original scan data and rights management data.If for example, scan data and rights management data be stored in it is predetermined Network folder, then RMS services 1310 make the scan data of encryption and distribution license be stored in the predetermined network folder In.Alternatively, RMS services 1310 can be configured to make the scan data of encryption and distribution license is stored in different positions. The different position can be " hard-coded " of RMS services 1310, or, based on the destination handled by RMS services 1310 The position of data.Such destination data can be saved together with original scan data and rights management data, or, can From different sources.
In step 1445, recipient uses the application based on RMS（It is not shown in Figure 13）Sent to RMS server 1100 Use the request of license.Account certificate of the request bag containing user（Its public-key cryptography for including recipient）Permit with distribution.
In step 1450, RMS server 1100 determines whether recipient is certified, and checks whether recipient is to be named User, and generate using license.In managing in this place, RMS server 1100 is using the key of RMS server 1100 to symmetrical close Key is decrypted, and symmetric key is re-encrypted using the public-key cryptography of recipient, and the session key of encryption is added into using License.The step ensures that only expected user can be decrypted to symmetric key, and then file to protecting is decrypted. RMS server 1100 can also by any condition add into using permit, for example, using license, using or operating system row Reprimand time limit etc. adds permits into use.Such condition can be specified in rights management data.
V. scanning management system is extended into printing
According to one embodiment, Distributed Scans management system（For example, DSM systems 100 etc.）Can be scaled up to support to beat Print.Many parts of Distributed Scans management system, for example, administrator terminal, active file directory server, scanning means etc. Printing environment can be all applied to, wherein, scanning means is printing equipment.
Figure 15 is to the distributed printing management in one embodiment（DPM）The block diagram that system 1500 is indicated.DPM systems System 1500 includes administrator terminal 1510, definition server 1520, printing equipment 1530 and printing server 1540.Although A printing equipment is illustrate only, but, DPM systems 1500 can be comprising multiple printing equipments, and each printing equipment can be with definition What server 1520 and printing server 1540 can communicate is attached.
A. administrator terminal
Similar to foregoing administrator terminal 110, administrator terminal 1510 includes print management platform（PMC）1512, it is permitted Perhaps keeper is defined to print processing definition.Administrator terminal 1510 can be foregoing administrator terminal 110, then, can Selection of land, also comprising SMC112.
B. print processing definition
Print processing is defined for specifying one group of print setting, and it can be used for generation and is comprised in print data and quilt Send to the printing edition of the electronic document of printing equipment.The example of print setting for example comprising single two-sided, color/gray scale, direction, And page size.
Print processing definition can include destination data, for indicating more than one destination, for being somebody's turn to do to use The data of the print job of print processing definition are preserved.Such destination data may indicate that more than one destination, For example, e-mail address, storage device or network folder outside DMP systems 1500.
Print processing definition also can include access privilege data, its in terms of content with foregoing user right data 330 is similar.For example, user right data may indicate that who may have access to print processing definition etc..Access privilege data may indicate that Anyone may have access to print processing definition, may indicate that more than one group of user-accessible print processing definition, or, may indicate that More than one personal addressable print processing definition.
Print processing definition can also include growth data, itself and before narration scan process define when growth data phase Seemingly.
C. server is defined
PMC1512 sends print processing definition to server 1520 is defined, and defines server 1520 and preserves the print processing Definition.Defining server 1520 can be configured to the request of print processing definition of the response from PMC1512, with to keeper's end End 1510 sends requested content, for its editor.Defining server 1520 can be configured to the present of print processing definition Version or the more than one legacy version of print processing definition safeguarded, and allow what PMC1512 was defined to print processing Specific version makes requests on.
Define server 1520 and be also configured to response from printing equipment（For example, printing equipment 1530）Print processing The request of definition.Request bag from printing equipment server 1520 containing definition from the definition of multiple print processings in order to select one The data that print processing more than individual is defined and used.Such packet contain username and password, its by with printing equipment 1530 associated users are provided.For example, its user name of input through keyboard that can be provided by printing equipment 1530 of user and Password.After user related information is received, define server 1520 determines which print processing definition and the user related information It is associated.For example, defining server 1520 can judge whether user is associated with which group based on user related information.If Then to define server 1520 and recognize more than one group, then, it is determined that the definition of which print processing and for being recognized with On group be associated.
After more than one print processing definition is identified based on the request from printing equipment 1530, server is defined 1520 provide print processing to printing equipment 1530 defines ID data.The print processing defines ID data and indicates more than one beating Print treatment definition.Print processing defines ID data and can include actual more than one print processing definition, or, can only specify More than one print processing definition.In the scene of the latter, printing equipment 1530 is aobvious what is be associated with printing equipment 1530 Show screen display for specifying the data of more than one print processing definition.Printing equipment 1530 allow user from more than one Print processing definition in selection one print processing definition.The input that a predetermined print processing is defined is have selected receiving Afterwards, printing equipment 1530 is sent for representing the selection number that the selected print processing of user is defined to server 1520 is defined According to.Afterwards, server 1520 is defined to be defined to the print processing that printing equipment 1530 has sent selected.
D. printing equipment
Printing equipment 1530 is a kind of computing device, and it is configured to process print service, and each print service is related to life Into the printing edition of the electronic document in print data.The printing edition includes more than one beating on tangible medium such as paper Printed text shelves.The printing of printed document is carried out based on more than one print setting, and the print setting is serviced from definition It is designated in the print processing definition that device 1520 is obtained.Printing equipment 1530 can be multifunction peripheral equipment（MFP）, it can also be carried For more than one non-print service, for example, scan service, fax services, and/or archival service.
Printing equipment 1530 includes interface, and it allows user to start（Or at least complete）Print job.The interface can include Display screen for display data and the selectable button for starting print job.Printing equipment 1530 can also include other Button, some can be physical button, and some can be graphic button.
Before user starts printing on printing equipment 1530, printing equipment 1530 is authenticated to user.Example Such as, printing equipment 1530 can have attached indicia reader, and data can be read from the mark of user.The data can be printing Device 1530 read and to define transmitted by server 1520 for the more than one value that is authenticated to user.
1. locking printing
In one embodiment, printing equipment 1530 is configured to the feature of " locked Printing ", to provide electronics The print control of document.According to this feature, after printing equipment 1530 receives print data, printing equipment 1530 is not generated at once The printing edition of the electronic document in print data, but when user accesses printing equipment 1530 and proposes to process print service Request.User can only be authorized to the print job of locking after password is identified on printing equipment 1530,.With Family is input into password by the operator control panel of printing equipment 1530.Printing equipment 1530 is verified to password, when password is by successfully After checking, just allow to generate the printing edition of the electronic document in print data, i.e. just allow printing.Printing equipment 1530 can show Show more than one print job, each print job is associated with a different set of print data, a different set of printing Data are users（Or be associated with user someone）It is set to send to printing equipment 1530（Or printing equipment 1530 is addressable Storage location）Data.
In " the Locked Printing（Locking printing）" embodiment in, printing equipment 1530 can to define server 1520 send identical password（And user name, if possible）, more than one beating is obtained with from definition server 1520 Print treatment definition.One benefit of the method is that user need not repeatedly input its password.Selectively, for " non-locking （unlock）" user print job identical user certificate be used for obtain for carry out printing print processing determine Justice.
2. print job completes data
In one embodiment, after the printing edition of generation electronic document, the generation print job of printing equipment 1530 is complete Into data.Print job complete packet relevant information containing print job, for example, comprising expression who started print job, who Be certified on printing equipment 1530, when print job is performed, have printed how many page, whether used color, beaten Other print settings that the size of printed text shelves, which print processing definition are used, and/or are used when printing edition is generated Data.
Printing equipment 1530 print job can be locally stored on printing equipment 1530 and completes data.Afterwards, filled with printing Putting service performed on other devices of 1530 separation can conduct interviews to the storage of printing equipment 1530, and obtain and one The associated print job of print job above completes data.
Selectively, printing equipment 1530 sends print job and completes data to another device, and another device is responsible for More than one application outside making the print job complete data relative to DPM systems 1500 is available.For example, printing equipment 1530 send print job to printing server 1540 completes data.When sending printing completion data to printing server 1540, Can be based on（a）The specified destination data in for the print processing definition for generating printing edition, or（b）By printing equipment Destination data specified by 1530 user is realized.Destination data may indicate that printing server 1540 or, can be simple Ground is a kind of for indicating print job to complete the instruction that data will be processed in DPM systems 1500.Selectively, to printing When server 1540 sends print job completion data, the pre-configured of printing equipment 1540 can be based on（For example, " Hard- Coded”）To realize, it is used for automatically that print job is complete after the generation print job of printing equipment 1530 completes data Into data is activation to printing server 1530.
E. printing server
Printing server 1540 is received and comes from printing equipment 1530（And selectively, more than one other printing dresses Put, it is not shown in Figure 15）Print job complete data.If printing server 1540 is configured to as scanning server（Class It is similar to foregoing scanning server 140）Equally, then scanning server 1540 can be configured to " expect（Expect）" there is multiple More than one image in form.Then, printing server 1540 can be configured to check the extension name of file, for example, .pdf .GIF .png or .jpg etc..Then, in one embodiment, printing equipment 1530 is by the institute of printing server 1540 The image file extensions that can be recognized are added in print job completion data.Then, printing equipment 1530 can preserve file expansion Exhibition name data, its image file extensions for being only used for indicating the identification of printing server 1540.
Printing server 1540 is saved print job completion data based on more than one rule.This is more than one Rule may indicate that print job completes data and is saved to where.If for example, the print job from printing equipment 1530 is complete The purposefully data into data, then printing server 1540 can be sent to the more than one destination in the destination data Print job completes data.The example of destination includes network folder（It is located relative to for printing server 1540 In the network of " local "）, third party's storage service（It is located at and is far apart in network）Or, one group of more than one Email Address.Destination data can be the various combinations of the example of these destinations.In addition, destination data can be by printing equipment 1530 User provided, or, can be comprised in from define server 1520 acquired in print processing definition in, or both.Example Such as,（1）User can be input into personal email address, and so, print job can be completed data is activation by printing server 1540 To the personal email address；（2）The selected print processing definition of user can include network folder, so, printing clothes Business device 1540 can be preserved to the network folder print job completion data.
Alternatively, all print jobs that printing server 1540 can be configured to be received printing server 1540 are complete Same position is stored in into data.Such embodiment can be used for all of print job, or, can be used for print job Complete there is no the print job of destination data in data.
In one embodiment, before print job completion data is stored in more than one destination, printing It is effective that server 1540 defines print processing（Referred to here as " receiving definition "）, its printing for including for generating printing edition sets It is fixed.Validation can relate to printing server 1540 and the definition for receiving sent to definition server 1520（That is, from printing equipment 1530 definition for being received）.Define server 1520 and judge received defining whether and print processing definition（Referred to here as " original definition "）Match, the original definition is provided to printing equipment 1530 by definition server 1520." matching " can refer to Two print processing definition are matched completely.Alternatively, " matching " had been set in constant original definition can be referred to More than one part in part above and corresponding reception definition matches completely.
If it is the response for matching, printing server there is provided reception definition and original definition to define server 1520 1540 continue with print job completes data.Otherwise, printing equipment 1540 can send to printing equipment 1530 and notify, notify it The definition for being received is invalid.In addition, printing equipment 1540 can also make print job complete data is not saved in what is specified Position.
In one embodiment, printing server 1540 maintains a logout, for entering to different print jobs Row record information.The logout can pin each print job preserve data, the data represent more than one which printing dress Put be involved, when print job is used by carry out, which print processing definition, corresponding print job is completed Data be stored in where, who started print job and, print setting whether or which be modifiable by the user.Event Record can be stored in the identical device for performing printing server or in the device of separation.The thing for printing server separate Part manager can be configured to be managed event subscription, logout is analyzed interested to judge whether to there occurs Event, also, after event interested being determined and there occurs, the notice that the event there occurs is sent to more than one Event pond, the event pond establishes association to related event subscription.
F. application print job completes the service of data
After the print job completion data of more than one print job are generated and stored, such information can be by one Service more than individual is analyzed.The example that can be used print job to complete the service of data is cost recovery service.Cost Recovery service can complete data and be analyzed to print job, and be to use printing equipment 1530 to personal, group or company （Or, alternatively, other printing equipments in DPM systems 1500）The cost for being spent is determined.Cost recovery service exists It is determined that using printing equipment 1530 cost when be contemplated that the more than one factor.The example of such factor can include but not Be defined in, for all of print service, have printed how many number of pages, whether be colour print, used how many carbon dust, who Started print job and, when print job be performed（For example, the time in day, week, the moon, and/or year）.
After printing server 1540 makes print service completion data be stored in predetermined position, a service（For example, Cost recovery service etc.）Whether data are effectively to confirm in the precalculated position is completed to the print job.The service can be adopted This determination is carried out with many methods.For example, the service can regularly to network folder, Email account Whether family or shared storage account are polled, with to having print data and rights management data to be stored after previous poll Confirmed.Used as another example, the monitoring treatment to precalculated position is used to detect the storage of print data, and Message is sent to service.
One service can complete data and conduct interviews using more than one mode to print job.For example, the service can Sent to printing equipment 1530 and the request that data make requests on is completed to print job.The service can periodically send the request, or The request is sent in response to the detection of event.The request can be complete to all print jobs of storage in printing equipment 1530 Into the request of data.Alternatively, the request may specify more than one benchmark, and printing equipment 1530 can be used the benchmark, to full The subset of the print job data of the sufficient benchmark is identified.The example of benchmark can include what corresponding print job was performed During data area, corresponding print job are performed, user start the identifier of corresponding print job, at printing Manage the identifier for defining, the identifier of the more than one print setting for being used to carry out corresponding print job.
Used as another example, a service directly can conduct interviews to more than one storage location, at this Storage location above, printing server 1540 completes data and is preserved to print job.For example, as described above, one Possible storage location is E-mail address account, and service can conduct interviews to it.
One service（For example, cost recovery service etc.）Can be held on identical device as such as print service 1540 OK, or, can be performed on the device for printing server 1540 separate, for example, in the device outside DPM systems 1500 Upper execution.For example, a cost recovery service can even be far apart relative to DPM systems.Then, the cost recovery service can It is relative to the third party's service of the entity of DPM systems 1500.
G. the extension of management system to other environment is scanned
Scanning administrative skill can be scaled up among printing（For example, using management terminal and/or treatment definition）, meanwhile, Scanning administrative skill can be also scaled up among other environment.For example, even though it is not illustrated, still, printing equipment 1530 can quilt Computing device comprising digital camera is replaced.The computing device for example can be the smart mobile phone with display screen, panel computer Deng.
Above-mentioned computing device can be used together with server is defined, and it is used to obtain more than one " shooting " and process to determine Justice.More than one " shooting " treatment definition includes image setting, and it is used by computing device, to generate digital image（Example Such as, " take pictures " setting）.Alternatively, shooting treatment definition can be stored on computing device body.
With scan process definition similarly, shooting treatment definition also can be comprising data be accessed, and it is used for instruction can be to shooting The more than one user that treatment definition conducts interviews.Additionally or alternatively, shooting treatment definition can include device management data, It is used for determining whether computing device is allowed to use shooting treatment definition to generate digital image.Below will be to " device pipe Reason data " are described in detail.
With scan process definition similarly, shooting treatment definition can also include destination data, and it is used to indicate digital figure Picture（It is generated based on treatment definition is shot）Be stored in where and, be body storage or be far apart storage.Purpose Ground data can be handled by " image server ", and this is similar with foregoing scanning server 140.Alternatively, destination data Can be handled by above-mentioned computing device, it produces the digital image processed for other.
VI. device management
As it was previously stated, scan process definition is associated with more than one user.If more than one in a tissue User in any one think to be defined using scan process in a scanning operation, then to scanning server be scanned treatment definition Request, the scan process definition be subsequently transmitted to the scanning means that the user is currently in use.Scanning means in tissue Number is clear and definite.Then, any scanning means in the tissue may be used to be scanned the acquisition for the treatment of definition.
But, in one embodiment, more than one scan process definition is limited by system, or, relative in tissue The subset of scanning means is limited by system.Scan process definition can be in the scan process to the system limit of one group of more than one scanning means Specified in association in definition.It is associated with more than one scanning means and for more than one scanning means Carry out the data referred to herein as " device management data " of limit processed.
A. device management data
Device management data is used to specify more than one scanning means, and each is allowed to use sweeps Treatment definition is retouched to generate scan data.Device management data can carry out more than one single scanning means or more than one Mark scope（For example, IP address range）Specify, each is corresponding with multiple possible scanning means marks.Make Identified with scanning means, a single scanning means and other scanning means can be distinguished, the scanning is identified relative to DSM It is at least unique for other scanning means in system 100.The example of scanning means mark can be included but do not limited In IP address, MAC Address or GUID（Or GUID）.
Additionally or alternatively, multiple scanning means can be associated with identical scanning means gid numbers.So, The system of the scanning means to allowing to be defined using scan process is limited and can carried out based on group, rather than based on individual other scanning Device is carried out.
Device management data by the more than one identifier comprising more than one scanning means or, by bag More than one identifier containing more than one other scanning means is indicated more than one scanning means.Example Such as, device management data may specify scanning means X, and it can represent that only scanning means X can be allowed access to scan process definition To generate scan data.Used as another example, device management data may specify scanning means X, and it can be represented except scanning is filled Putting any scanning means outside X can all be allowed access to scan process definition to generate scan data.
Figure 16 be to one embodiment in including device management data scan process definition example be indicated Figure.In the present embodiment, device management data is located in two different IHV key elements.Each IHV key element is included and swept for mark Unique identifier of imaging apparatus.
In an embodiment for correlation, device management data to more than one scanning means except for being indicated Outside, it is additionally operable to performed in scanning means（Or will be performed）Scanning operation more than one system limit be indicated. An example for making limit is more than one destination, and its scan data for being not allowed to generate scanning means is obtained Take.For example, device management data may indicate that the scan data that certain specific scanning means uses scan process to define and generates can not It is sent to the E-mail address outside establishment.So, in establishment the one of position sweeps Imaging apparatus can be allowed to（Based on a scan process definition）Generated scan data is sent to any recipient, meanwhile, Other scanning means of another position in the establishment can be then limited to the recipient outside the establishment Send generated scan data.
Another example of additional system limit is when to be allowed to be scanned operation.For example, the dress in scan process definition Put management data and may indicate that late 9 points later or weekend a certain specific scanning means that whenever do not allow on ordinary days are carried out Scan operation.
Figure 17 be to one embodiment in including multiple scanning means Distributed Scans management（DSM）System 1700 The block diagram that example is indicated.DSM systems 1700 are similar with DSM systems 100, and difference is that DSM1700 sweeps comprising multiple Imaging apparatus 132,134 and 136.Each of these three scanning means is communicatively coupled with server 120 is defined, also, Scanning server 140 can to define server 120 carry out multiple scan process definition request and from define server 120 carry out Corresponding reception.In addition, each of these three scanning means can produce scan data based on scan process definition, and And, can be by produced scan data（And alternatively, scan process definition）Send to scanning server 140.
Figure 18 be to one embodiment in for generate and use device management data processing procedure 1800 carry out table The flow chart for showing.In step 1805, keeper specifies in management terminal 110 to device management data.Keeper can Device management data is specified while producing scan process to define using SMC112.
Additionally or alternatively, keeper can be used SMC112 to send request to server 120 is defined, for being stored to it , the scan process being generated definition make requests on.Keeper is specified using SMC112 to device management data, And, carry out the additional of device management data to the scan process definition asked（Or it is modified）, for example, scanning dress Putting can be appended to DSM systems 1700.Additional based on this, keeper obtains more than one scan process in terminal 110 and determines Justice, and, the device management data defined to each scan process identified for the scanning means for recognizing new scanning means What is do not accorded with is additional.
B. the storage of device management data
In step 1810, SMC112 manages data to the dispensing device of server 120 is defined（DMD）, so that itself and scanning Treatment definition is stored in association.
In one embodiment, device management data is designated or is indicated in scan process definition.If at scanning The form for managing definition is XML document, then device management data is designated to the growth data in XML document.For example, device management Data can be specified in the IHV key elements of XML document.
In a related embodiment, device management data can discretely be preserved with scan process definition, however, being still Preserve in association.For example, defining server 120 can store a mapping, the mapping will（1）More than one scan process is determined Justice with（2）Device management data sets up association.Mapping quilt and the definition of any scan process are all discretely preserved.
C. the treatment of device management data
After device management data and scan process define associated storage, device management data can be in different time And/or processed by different entities.For example, the carrying out of pair device management data being associated with scan process definition is processed When, the treatment can be performed before in the scanning operation defined with corresponding scan process or carry out afterwards.In addition, at another In embodiment, server 120, scanning means is defined（For example, scanning means 130）, scanning server 140 or positioned at DSM systems Device outside 1700 can be processed device management data.
The treatment of device management data be related to reading device manage data and, perform to signified by device management data The fixed more than one system limit for scanning operation.The execution of such system limit can relate to It is no be included in device management data be determined or, to the destination specified by the scan data that is generated whether by Allow to receive the scan data to be determined.For example, performing the appointed more than one system limit in device management data Whether entity can be to being determined in device management data comprising scanning means mark data.As described above, device management data In scanning means identifier included in data may indicate that scanning means is not allowed to generate corresponding scan data, or Person, may indicate that scanning means is allowed to generate corresponding scan data.
If for the entity that the device management data to a certain scanning operation is processed determine not with device pipe The associated system limit needs of reason data are performed, then the device management data is " meeting more than one rule ".For example, scanning Operation should be performed, or, if had been performed for, the scan data that the scanning operation is generated should be according to right Specified rear scan process instruction is performed in the scan process definition answered.
If determined for the entity that the device management data to a certain scanning operation is processed and device management The associated system limit needs of data are performed, then the device management data is " being unsatisfactory for more than one rule ".For example, scanning Operation should not be performed, or, if had been performed for, the scan data that the scanning operation is generated should not be according to Specified rear scan process instruction in the definition of corresponding scan process is performed.
1. the rear scan process of device management data
In one embodiment, device management data is processed again after corresponding scan data is performed.Device pipe The such rear scan process for managing data can be by scanning server 140 or the device outside DSM systems 1700（In figure not Show）To perform.
In the present embodiment, processing procedure 1800 is in some aspects similar with the processing procedure 800 of Fig. 8.In step In 1815, user provides user authentication data to scanning means 134（For example, username and password）.In step 1820, scanning Device 134 provides user authentication data to server 120 is defined.
In step 1825, define server 120 and sent for indicating more than one scan process to scanning means 134 The data of definition, 134 pairs of data of scanning means show.In step 1830, user is fixed from listed scan process One of those is selected in justice.In step 1835, scanning means 134 is sent at requested scanning to server 120 is defined Manage the identifier of definition.
In step 1840, define server 120 and send requested scan process definition to scanning means 134.Definition Server 120 also sends the device management data being associated with scan process definition.As it was previously stated, scan process definition can be included Device management data.Alternatively, defining server 120 can be sent separately device management data with scanning definition.In step In 1845, scanning means 134 performs the scan operation based on scanning setting specified in scan process definition.
In step 1850, scanning means 134 sends scan data to scanning server 140, and the scan data is to be based on The execution of above-mentioned scan operation and generate.Step 1850 is also included and manages data to the dispensing device of scanning server 140.
In step 1855, scanning server 140 is communicated with server 120 is defined, and above-mentioned sweeping is performed to be used in The scan process for retouching operation defines validation.Step 1855 is optional.
In step 1860, after the device management data being associated with scan data is received, scanning server 140 is true Which is available in determining specified more than one system limit in device management data.For example, scanning server 140 determines to sweep Imaging apparatus 134（For example, its generation scan data）Whether it is allowed to carry out the scan process definition for generating scan data Treatment.In order to carry out such determination, scanning server 140 receives the scanning means for being identified to scanning means 134 ID data.Used as another example, scanning server 140 is determined for storing received scanning number based on device management data According to more than one storage destination（For example, storage destination as specified by the user of scanning means 134 or, by scanning The storage destination specified by destination data in treatment definition）Whether such storage can be carried out.
If specified system limit is disabled, scan service in the determining device of scanning server 140 management data The rear scan instruction specified in being defined according to corresponding scan process of device 140 is preserved to scan data.
If at least one specified limit processed is available in the determining device of scanning server 140 management data, sweep Retouch server 140 and perform more than one operation.According to the system limit, scanning server 140 can with or cannot be to scan data Preserved.If for example, system limit is the destination on scan data（For example, e-mail address）, then scanning server 140 can send message to scanning means 134, for promoting user to specify one valid destination（For example, a different electricity Sub- addresses of items of mail）.As another example, if system limit is on when scan operation is performed, according to corresponding Specified instruction, can not preserve to scan data in scan process definition.Such operation can be comprising generation and storage （For example, in log file）Data, the data are used to represent that scanning means is performed using the definition of unsuitable scan process Scan operation.In the present embodiment, scanning server 140 serves as single source, and using the single source, keeper can be handed over Mutually, it is performed with finding the scanning operation which and device management data are not inconsistent.If such data are stored in execution In the scanning means of scan operation, then the log file of each scanning means that keeper may be managed it is examined Look into.
Another example of operation is to send message to the scanning means for generating scan data, and mistake is there occurs for representing Miss, also, scan data will not also be processed as desired by user.Message can promote user to select using different Scan process is defined, and to perform another correct scan operation, so, the scan data for being generated can be as desired by user As be subsequently processed.
As described above, substitution performs device manages the scanning server 140 of the rear scan process of data, another device is held The rear scan process of row device management data.For example, the service on the device outside DSM systems 1700 determines whether Generate scan data.As it was previously stated, the service can be detected using various ways has generated scan data.For example, should Service regularly can be analyzed to more than one log file, and the log file is generated by scanning server 140 and protected In the presence of in the scanning server 140.Used as another example, the detectable scan data of the service is already saved in one specifically Position（For example, scanned server 140 is stored in the specific position）.
The service pair is read out with the device management data that scan data is saved in association.If the service determines Device management data meets more than one rule（If for example, service determining device management packet ID containing scanning means Data）, then the service carries out its normal function.If service determining device management data do not include scanning means ID numbers According to the then service can perform more than one operation.For example, the service can be generated and preserve data, the data are used to indicate one Individual unsuitable scan process definition has been used to generate scan data.In addition, the service can be to the keeper of DSM systems 100 Notified, for example, being entered by being sent for indicating the message of the information related to the scan operation to administrator terminal 110 The capable notice.
2. the preceding scan process of device management data
In one embodiment, device management data is performed before being processed in corresponding scan operation.Device pipe The treatment for managing data can be by definition server 120 or scanning means（For example, scanning means 130）Come carry out.
i）Server is defined to process device management data
Figure 19 be to one embodiment in the treated of limits device management data was performed before scan operation is performed The flow chart that journey 1900 is indicated.In step 1905, keeper is carried out on administrator terminal 110 to device management data Specify.In step 1910, SMC112 manages data to the dispensing device of server 120 is defined（DMD）, and determined with scan process Justice is saved in association.
In step 1915, user provides ID data（For example, username and password）To scanning means, for example, sweeping Imaging apparatus 130.In step 1920, scanning means sends request to server 120 is defined, and it includes ID data and is used for The identifier being identified to scanning means.
In step 1925, defining server 120 can first recognize the definition of more than one scan process, itself and ID Data are associated, then, it is determined that whether the device management data that the scan process definition recognized with each is associated meets one Rule more than individual.Alternatively, the device management data that server 120 recognizes met more than one group first is defined, then, It is determined that being defined whether to the scan process that the device management data of more than a group for being recognized is associated related with ID data Connection.
In step 1930, define server 120 and sent for recognizing that more than one scan process is determined to scanning means The data of justice, the scanning means shows to the data.
Alternatively, if define server 120 determines that scanning means 134 is limited using any based on device management data Scan process is defined（Comprising the definition that those are associated with user right data, wherein, the user right data are used to recognize quilt License the user of scan process definition）, then defining server 120 can send message to scanning means 134, wherein, the report It is available that text notifies that user's neither one scan process is defined.The message can include more than one disabled reason, and And/or person, user can be promoted to use different scanning means.Message even can be used for identifying user can be used it is more than one Other scanning means.
In step 1935, one in the listed scan process definition of user's selection.In step 1940, scanning dress Put and send the identifier that requested scan process is defined to definition server 120.
In step 1945, define server 120 and send requested scan process definition to scanning means 134.Definition Server 120 also can be transmitted the device management data being associated with scan process definition.Scanning means 134 can be used device management Whether data meet more than one rule with determining device management data.So, server 120 and scanning means are defined （For example, scanning means 130）It is involved in specified system limit in performs device management data.For example, scanning means executable Additional limitation more than individual, for example, the system limit of interim system limit and/or scan data recipient.
In step 1950, scanning means 134 uses appointed scanning setting in being defined in requested scan process Perform scan operation.
In step 1955, scanning means 134 sends generated scan data to scanning server 140, for after Treatment used by.
ii）Scanning means treatment management data
In processing procedure 1900, define server 120 and device management data is processed, and in other embodiments In, scanning means（For example, scanning means 130）Device management data is processed.
Figure 20 be to one embodiment in perform scan operation before performs device manage data processing procedure 2000 flow charts being indicated.In step 2005, keeper on administrator terminal 110 to device management data at Reason.In step 2010, SMC112 manages data to the dispensing device of server 120 is defined（DMD）, and defined with scan process Preserved in association.
In step 2015, user provides ID data to scanning means such as scanning means 130（For example, user name And password）.In step 2020, scanning means 134 sends request to server 120 is defined, wherein, the request bag contains ID Data.
In step 2025, define server 120 and recognize more than one scan process definition, wherein, the scan process Definition is associated with ID data.In step 2030, define server 120 and send data to scanning means 134, wherein, The data are used to recognize more than one scan process definition, also, 134 pairs of data of the scanning means show.
In step 2035, user selects one of those from listed scan process definition.In step 2040, Scanning means 134 sends requested scan process definition to server 120 is defined.
In step 2045, define server 120 and send requested scan process definition to scanning means 134.Definition Server 120 also can be transmitted the device management data being associated with scan process definition.Scan process definition can include device pipe Reason data.
In step 2050, whether the determining device of scanning means 134 management data meet more than one rule.If It is that then in step 2055, scanning means 134 is set using scanning specified in being defined in requested scan process and performed Scan operation.Processing procedure 2000 may then continue to send generated scanning number to scanning server 140 in step 2060 According to.
If device management data is unsatisfactory for more than one rule, scanning means is not performed using requested scanning The scan operation of definition is processed, and can perform more than one other operations, for example, a record is saved, wherein, the note Employ the scan process being associated with the device management data definition for attempting to use in expression user and be unsatisfactory for more than one rule Then.Scanning means also can on a user interface show a message, wherein, the message promotes user to select different scan process Definition.
VII. commission is accessed
In some business environments, director therein is very universal phenomenon to other people's committal charges in company.Example Such as, certain director provides the consumption receipt of the business travel after certain business travel is terminated to its assistant.Then, the assistant is to this Receipt is scanned and is made consumption report for the director.The receipt of scanning and the consumption report being made are sent（For example, It is transmitted using Email）To the account being associated with the director.The assistant is allowed to access the account's of the director One method is the username and password that the assistant and the director share the director.But, such method is simultaneously non-ideal Method because the username and password of the director is by unscrupulous people（May is that the assistant）The possibility usurped is acute Increase.
Another method is the multiple similar but different scan process definition of generation, wherein, at least one is director institute With, meanwhile, at least one is used by assistant.The scanning that the scan process definition that assistant is used substantially is used with director Treatment definition is identical, unlike, the scan process definition that assistant is used may be not authorized to carry out scanning setting therein The modification of data or destination data.One of the method has the disadvantage that keeper needs to generate, safeguard and distinguish these differences But similar scan process definition.Any change of one scan process definition all may define corresponding scan process Change.With the increase that user intervenes, similar mistake is consequently increased.
A. commission data are accessed
According to one embodiment, the access to scan process definition is delegated to more than one user, and it can never Access scan process definition.User more than such a is referred to herein as " entrusted person ".For indicating to be entrusted The data of person are referred to herein as " entrusted data ".
The more than one user specified in the user right data of scan process definition referred to herein as " commission Person ".Data referred to herein as " principal's data " for indicating principal.Principal can not entrust to certain particular user Hold in the palm so that it turns into entrusted person in the scan process definition that the principal accesses.Replace, keeper can be in keeper In terminal 110 to who be principal and who be that entrusted person specifies.
For determine user whether the data for being entrusted person in more than one scan process definition herein It is referred to as " the accessing commission data " of the more than one scan process definition.Based on specific implementation, accessing commission data can Comprising entrusted person's data and principal's data or, only comprising entrusted person's data.
In one embodiment, accessing commission data can not only be associated with the definition of more than one scan process, and Can also be associated with more than one system limit.An example for making limit includes any data forbidden in modification scan process definition （Or certain data）.For example, principal be allowed to modification scan process definition scanning setting data in certain specified it is specific Scanning setting, and entrusted person is then not allowed to the specific scanning setting（Or any scanning setting）Modify.
Another example for making limit is to forbid additional destination, wherein, scan data（It is fixed based on corresponding scan process What justice was generated）The destination can be sent to.For example, principal can be allowed to as a specific scanning operation is additional one The above object ground, and entrusted person is then not allowed to the additional any destination that can be sent to scan data.One correlation The example of system limit be to forbid adding certain destination, for example, Email outside company or the network without access rights are literary Part folder etc..
Another example for making limit is when the scan operation based on corresponding scan process definition is performed.For example, Principal is allowed to be defined using scan process at any time, and entrusted person is when being then only permitted certain in a day Between section and/or in one week certain day can be used the scan process define.
1. the storage in scan process definition
In one embodiment, scan process definition is comprising for access right data and access commission data.For example, enterprise Industry director can be identified in the access privilege data division of scan process definition, and the assistant of the director can sweep at this The access commission data division for retouching treatment definition is identified.Then, more than one being identified in access privilege data User group in each user can with access privilege data division be identified each user produce difference.
In one embodiment, commission data are accessed to be designated in the expansion that scan process is defined, wherein, the expansion Exhibition part is the optional part of scan process definition.
Figure 21 be to one embodiment in including access commission data scan process definition example be indicated Flow chart.In the present embodiment, commission data are accessed to be comprised in multiple IHV " commission " key element.Each commission key element is included： （1）Login user（login user）Key element, for representing user, it is had logged on to scanning means, and is look for one Scan process definition above；（2）Principal's key element, for representing more than one principal；（3）Access rights key element, uses Person is entrusted relative to the more than one access rights that scan process is defined in representing.In the present embodiment, principal's key element Comprising two principals.In addition, principal's key element represent corresponding entrusted person have relative to scan process define only Read right, and be not allowed to change corresponding scan process definition.Such system limit can also be added comprising being not allowed to specify （Or it is different）Destination（Scan data（Generated based on scan process definition）The destination can be sent to）.
In one embodiment, keeper is specified using SMC112 on administrator terminal 110 and accesses commission data.Access Commission data can be formatted by the way of certain, for example, being formatted using XML.Alternatively, commission data are accessed There can be the form of very little, accessing commission data can even not have certain key element of XML document.
2. discretely stored with scan process definition
In an optional embodiment, access commission data and the definition of any scan process is all discretely stored. In such embodiment, access commission packet and contain more than one record, wherein, each record is included：（1）Entrusted person's number According to for representing more than one entrusted person；With（2）Principal's data, for representing more than one principal.
In an embodiment for correlation, the more than one record in mapping includes definition ID data, for one Scan process definition above is identified.This definition ID data are used to allow being entrusted in the definition of only scan process The part that person accesses can be shared with entrusted person.So, principal need not share addressable all of scan process definition. For example, user 1 may have access to scan process defines A, B and C, and the inaccessible scan process of user 2 defines A, B and C.Afterwards, use Family 2 is identified as the entrusted person of user 1 in commission data are accessed, and may have access to scan process and defines A, B and C.But, visit Ask that commission data also may specify that user 2 is only the entrusted person that B is defined relative to scan process of user 1.Then, when starting is swept When retouching operation, user 2 can be used scan process define B, but, when start scan process when, user 2 can not be using scanning at Reason defines A or C.
In a method, define the storage of server 120 and access commission data.In an optional embodiment, scanning Device（For example, scanning means 130）Storage accesses commission data.The difference of both will be described below.
B. the treatment of commission data is accessed
1. define server and perform access commission data
Figure 22 be to one embodiment in define server 120 in perform access commission data processing procedure 220 The flow chart being indicated.In step 2210, keeper is swept using SMC112 on administrator terminal 110 for more than one Retouch treatment definition and specify access commission data.As it was previously stated, access commission data can be in the definition of more than one scan process It is designated, or, can be designated separatedly, but, need to be associated with the definition of more than one scan process.
In step 2220, SMC112 makes access entrust data（ADD）It is stored in and defines in server 120.
In step 2230, user provides ID data on scanning means 130.
In step 2240, scanning means 130 sends the request that scan process is defined to server 120 is defined.The request In include ID data.
In step 2250, define server 120 and be based on ID data and/or access commission data to more than one Scan process definition is identified.For example, in accessing and entrust data to be stored in more than one scan process definition at one Scene in, define server 120 to each scan process definition be analyzed.It is fixed for the definition of each scan process Adopted server 120 judges whether ID data are comprised in access privilege data.If being not included in user In access right data, then judge whether ID data are comprised in access commission data.
As another embodiment, the scene that commission data are discretely saved with scan process definition is accessed at one In, define server 120 and judge whether ID data are comprised in the user right data of each scan process definition, separately It is outer also to judge to access commission data whether comprising ID data.The judgement of the latter can relate to be mapped for each（If there is The mapping of the entrusted person's data of multiple and principal's data）Judge entrusted person's data of the mapping whether comprising ID number According to.If "Yes", then define server 120 and recognize matched principal's data, wherein, principal's data are used to specify More than one principal.Then, define server 120 and judge that scan process is defined whether comprising access privilege data, Wherein, the access privilege data are used to specify more than one principal.
In any one scene, access commission data and all may indicate that more than one system limit, wherein, system limit is relative Defined in corresponding scan process, for example, forbidding changing the scanning setting in scan process definition or forbidding not give birth to also Into the additional destination of scan data.
In step 2260, define server 120 and send data to scanning means 130, wherein, the data are used to recognize one Scan process definition more than individual.In some cases, the recognizable two scan process definition of server 120 is defined：One is The scan process definition of " normal ", scan process definition includes access privilege data, the access privilege packet Data containing ID；The definition of another scan process is then and accesses the definition that commission data are associated, access commission data Comprising ID data.
Step 2260 can relate to send the more than one scan process definition for being recognized.Alternatively, step 2260 can be related to And send the data for being only used for recognizing more than one scan process definition.
In step 2270, user selects one of those from scan process definition, wherein, scan process definition is It is identified in received data.Step 2270 can relate to scanning means 130, and the scanning means 130 is based on what is received Data are shown more than one graphical user interface object, and each graphical user interface object is used for expression and is being received Data in identify scan process definition.
In step 2280, scanning fills 130 and sends definition ID data to server 120 is defined, wherein, this definition ID data For recognizing selected scan process definition.It is bag to define server 120 and can determine whether that selected scan process is defined whether That containing access privilege data, wherein, the access privilege data be used to represent corresponding user or, by Server 120 is defined to be based on accessing the user that commission data are recognized.If the latter, definition server 120 can determine whether to work as and sweep The treatment scan process of imaging apparatus 130 defines whether when system limit is associated with scan process definition.It is if "Yes", then fixed Adopted server 120 ensures that scanning means 130 performs system limit.For example, define server 120 can change scan process definition in Scanning setting, or, the destination in scan process definition can be changed.
In step 2290, define server 120 and send selected scan process definition to scanning means 130.In step In rapid 2295, the scanning that scanning means 130 is based on being recognized in the definition of selected scan process is set for scan operation.
2. scanning means is performed and accesses commission data
In one embodiment, scanning means（For example, scanning means 130）Perform and access commission data, to replace definition Server 120 is performed and accesses commission data.Scanning means can use access commission data using two ways：One be to Before defining the request that server 120 sends definition, or, another is to the request for defining the transmission definition of server 120 Afterwards.
Figure 23 be to one embodiment in scanning means perform access commission data processing procedure 2300 carry out The flow chart of expression.Processing procedure 2300 represents scanning means 130 after to the request that server 120 have sent definition is defined Perform the method for accessing commission data.
In step 2310, keeper is specified using SMC120 on administrator terminal 110 and accesses commission data.The access Commission data are separately designated with scan process definition.Access commission packet contains one group of more than one mapping, its In, each mapping makes entrusted person's data be associated with principal's data.More than one mapping in the group can also be used for referring to Show more than one scan process definition.
In step 2320, SMC112 makes access entrust data（ADD）It is stored in scanning means 130.
In step 2330, user provides ID data on scanning means 130.
In step 2340, scanning means 130 sends the request that scan process is defined to server 120 is defined.
In step 2350, define server 120 and send its multiple for preserving（For example, all）Scan process is defined.
In step 2360, scanning means 130 recognizes more than one principal in commission data are accessed, wherein, should Principal is established with entrusted person and associates, and the entrusted person is recognized by ID data.
In step 2370, scanning means 130 is defined using ID data and principal's data to each scan process It is analyzed, wherein, principal's data are used to represent the more than one principal recognized in step 2360.As step Rapid 2370 result, scanning means 130 identifies more than one scan process definition.If more than one scan process is determined Justice includes multiple scan process definition, then during one of scan process definition can include access privilege data division ID data, and the definition of another scan process can include principal's data in access privilege data division.
In step 2380, scanning means 130 can make the letter related to the more than one scan process definition for being recognized Breath is shown to user.
In step 2390, scanning means 130 is received from user and is input into, wherein, the input is represented to recognized one The selection of scan process definition above.
In step 2395, scanning means 130 is based on the definition of selected scan process and performs scan operation.If user A scan process definition is have selected, it is only selected based on commission data are accessed, also, the access entrusts data to indicate Relative to the more than one system limit that the scan process is defined, then step 2395 can relate to scanning means 130 and perform this System limit above.
Figure 24 be to one embodiment in scanning means perform access commission data processing procedure 2400 carry out The flow chart of expression.Processing procedure 2400 represents that scanning means 130 was held before to the request for defining the transmission definition of server 120 The method that row accesses commission data.
In step 2405, keeper is specified using SMC112 on keeper 110 and accesses commission data.The access is entrusted Data are discretely designated with scan process definition.Access commission packet contains one group of more than one mapping, wherein, each Mapping makes principal's data be associated with the foundation of entrusted person's data.More than one mapping in the group can also be used for indicating one Scan process definition above.
In step 2410, SMC112 makes access entrust data（ADD）It is stored in scanning means 130.
In step 2415, user provides ID data on scanning means 130.
In step 2420, scanning means 130 is based on ID data and is analyzed to accessing commission data.Scanning means 130 judge ID data whether be found or, whether with access commission data in entrusted person's data be associated.Such as Fruit is "Yes", then 130 pairs of principal's data being associated with the entrusted person's data for being recognized of scanning means are identified.
In step 2425, scanning means 130 sends the request that scan process is defined to server 120 is defined.The request Comprising ID data and for indicating one group of principal's data of more than one principal.If accessing commission data Middle principal's data are associated with the definition of more than one scan process, then scanning means 130 also sends and defines ID data, its use Defined in more than one scan process is indicated.
In step 2430, the multiple that server 120 is preserved to it is defined（For example, all）Scan process definition is carried out Analysis, and judge the access privilege data in the definition of each scan process whether comprising ID data or for commission The data that person is indicated, wherein, the principal is designated in the principal's data received from scanning means 130.
In step 2435, define server 120 and send data, the data are used to recognize that more than one scan process is determined Justice, scan process definition includes access privilege data, the access privilege packet data containing ID or commission Person's data, principal's data are used to indicate more than one principal, and the principal is received from scanning means 130 It is appointed in principal's data.Be sent to scanning means 130 data can include one by one more than be recognized sweep Retouch treatment definition or, not comprising more than one recognized scan process definition.
In step 2440, scanning means 130 makes the information related to more than one recognized scan process definition Display user.
In step 2445, scanning means 130 is received from user and is input into, and the input is represented to more than one recognized The selection of scan process definition.
In step 2450, scanning means 130 sends asking for selected scan process definition to server 120 is defined Ask.
In step 2455, define server 120 and send requested scan process definition to scanning means.If definition Server 120 have sent scan process definition in step 2345, then can also not need step 2450 and 2455.
In step 2460, scanning means 130 is based on the definition of selected scan process and performs scan operation.Step 2460 The more than one system limit that identification is associated with entrusted person can be included, it is the user of scanning means 130 in this scene.Should More than one limit processed can be designated in the definition of requested scan process.Additionally or alternatively, the more than one system limit Can be designated in commission data are accessed.If there is it is more than one system limit, then scanning means 130 perform scan operation it It is preceding or perform afterwards these system limit.
VIII. execution mechanism
According to another embodiment, method as described herein is performed by more than one dedicated computing device.This is special Can be hardwired to perform the above method with computing device, or, digital electronic device can be included, for example, more than one special With integrated circuit or field programmable gate array, it can be programmed, to perform the above method, or, more than one can be included The common hardware processor being programmed, to perform the above method, here, when performing the above method, can be according to firmware, interior Deposit or other storage devices or combinations thereof in programmed instruction performed.Such dedicated computing device can also lead to The mode for crossing the program that above-mentioned application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array etc. are equipped with into customization realizes above-mentioned side Method.The dedicated computing device can for table above formula computer system, portable computer system, hand held device, network equipment or The device of other any executable above methods.
Figure 25 is the block diagram being indicated to the example that can perform the computer system 2500 of above-described embodiment thereon.Meter Calculation machine system 2500 exchanges other communication mechanisms of information comprising bus 2502 or user, also comprising processor 2504, its with it is total Line 2502 is connected, for processing information.Computer system 2500 is also included and hosts 2506, for example, RAM or other dynamic memories dress Put, it is connected with bus 2502, preserved with to the information as handled by processor 2504 and instruction etc..2506 are hosted also may be used For storing temporary variable or other average informations in a period of process instruction of processor 250 etc..Computer system 2500 is also Comprising ROM2508 or other static memories, it is connected with bus 2502, for for processor 2504 preserve static information and Instruction etc..In addition, also having storage device 2510 such as disk or CD etc., it is connected with bus 2502, for preserving information With instruction etc..
Computer system 2500 can be connected to display 2512, such as CRT etc. via bus 2502, for computer User's display information.Although bus 2502 is illustrated as monobus, bus 2502 can also include more than one bus. For example, bus 2502 can be included but be not limited to controlling bus, accordingly, processor 2504 can be to its in computer system 2500 Its device is controlled；Address bus can be also included, accordingly, processor 2504 may specify that the core position of instruction is held to realize it OK；Or, can also include the data carried out data transmission between any kind of each part that can be in computer system 2500 Bus etc..
Input unit 2514 including keyboard is connected to bus 2502, with enter to processor 2504 row information communication and The selection of order.Another type of user input apparatus is cursor control 2516, for example, mouse, trace ball, cursor direction Key etc., with to the selection of communication and the order of the travel direction information of processor 2504, also, for being controlled on display 2512 Light target is moved.The input unit is in two axles（For example, the 1st axle such as x-axis and the 2nd axle such as y-axis）It is upper that there are two freedom Degree, it allows device specified location in the plane.
Computer system 2500 can be used the hardwired logical block of customization, more than one application specific integrated circuit or existing Field programmable gate array, firmware and/or program, computer software etc. perform above-mentioned method.It is above-mentioned according to one embodiment Method can be performed by computer system 2500 answer processor 2504 and host the more than one instruction in 2506 and realize.This The instruction of sample can read in main memory 2506 from computer-readable memory such as memory 2510.Host a series of in 2506 The execution of instruction is capable of achieving each step specifically described herein.In an optional embodiment, hardwired circuit can be used for With combination of software and then the above-mentioned method of execution.So, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any of hardware and software Specific combination.
In addition, computer-readable medium here refers to that can provide data so that Jie of the computer operation to computer Matter.In an embodiment using computer system 2500, various computer-readable mediums are used to be carried to processor 2504 For instruction.Such medium can have diversified forms, for example, comprising but be not limited to volatilizable and can not wave and deposit medium.No Volatile medium for example includes CD and disk, for example, storage device 2510.Volatile medium can for example include dynamic memory, example Such as, 2506 are hosted.The general type of computer-readable medium can include such as floppy disk, hard disk, disk, other arbitrary magnetic storages Medium, CD-ROM, other arbitrary optical storage media, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM etc..
Various forms of computer-readable mediums can be used to provide a series of instruction to computer.For example, therein one It is that the instruction can be first recorded on the disk of remote computer to plant implementation method.Can be loaded into for the instruction by the remote computer Dram, and the instruction can be transmitted by using the telephone wire etc. of modem.Computer system 2500 Local modem can receive the data as transmitted by telephone wire, and convert this data to infrared letter using infrared transmitter Number.Infrared remote receiver can receive the data as entrained by infrared signal, also, it is total to send into the data using appropriate circuit Line 2502.The data are sent into main memory 2506 by bus 2502, and then, processor 2504 reads data from from hosting 2506, with Processed accordingly.
Computer system 2500 also includes communication interface 2518, and it is connected with bus 2502.Communication interface 2518 provide with The connected bidirectional data communication of network linking 2520, the network linking 2520 is connected with local area network 2522.For example, communication interface 2518 can be ISDN cards or modem, and data communication is provided with to corresponding telephone wire etc..As another example, lead to Letter interface 2518 can be LAN（Local Area Network）Card, data communication is provided with to compatible LAN.Can also use Wireless connection realizes data communication.In such embodiments, communication interface 2518 sends and receives electric signal, electromagnetism letter Number or optical signal etc., it can carry the electronic data stream for representing various information.
Network linking 2520 can be come to provide data communication to other data sets via more than one network.For example, net Network link 2520 can be via local area network 2522 to master computer 2524 or by ISP（Internet Service Provider） Data equipment operated by 2526 provides connection.Then, ISP2526 provides data communication by " Internet " 2528.It is local Network 2522 and Internet2528 use electric signal, electromagnetic signal or the optical signal for carrying electronic data stream thereon.
Computer system 2500 can send message and reception number by network, network linking 2520 and communication interface 2518 According to wherein comprising program's source code.In the example of Internet, server 2530 can by Internet2528, ISP2526, Local area network 2522 and communication interface 2518 send requested application program.The source code of reception can be stored in memory 2510 Or in other nonvolatile memories, afterwards, can be performed by processor 2504.
The present invention is not limited to above-described embodiment, without departing from the technical scope described in claims, can be with Carry out various changes or additional etc..
The application is based on and advocates the U.S. Patent Application No. 13/786,455 submitted on March 6th, 2013 and in 2013 The benefit of priority of the U.S. Patent Application No. 13/786,456 that on March 6, in submits to, their full content is all by quoting bag Containing herein.

Claims (15)

1. a kind of scanning means, including：
User interface；
More than one processor；And
The more than one memory of store instruction,
Wherein,
When the instruction is by computing device more than one, it is handled as follows：
User identification data is received, the user identification data is used to recognize the user of the scanning means；
The data at least recognizing more than one scan process definition are retrieved, the scan process definition is known with the user Other data are corresponding；
So that shown in the user interface with it is one more than the corresponding more than one use of scan process definition Family interface object；
Via the user interface, receive for indicating to select particular user interface from the middle of more than one user interface object The user input of object；
In the middle of the specific scan process definition corresponding with particular user interface object, identification scanning setting data, destination Data and growth data, the growth data include the external data associated with scan data and appointing the retrieval from external source What data；And
Determine whether growth data includes external data；If including this external data, from the growth data The external source retrieval data of identification, and sent based on the scanning setting data to the device for the scanning means separate At least a portion of the scan data of generation and the data from external source retrieval.
2. scanning means according to claim 1, wherein：
The specific scan process definition is expressed as XML data；And
The growth data is included in the middle of the XML data, and point data is extended as independent hardware provider (IHV).
3. scanning means according to claim 1, wherein：
It is described to send the device for including being sent to the destination data and with the scanning means separate；And
The device for the scanning means separate includes and the scanning server for coupling with defining server communication, the definition clothes Business device storage includes multiple scan process definition of more than one scan process definition.
4. scanning means according to claim 3, wherein：
Retrieval data include receiving data from the server that defines.
5. scanning means according to claim 1, wherein：
The device for the scanning means separate is in the outside of Distributed Scans management system, the Distributed Scans management system System includes scanning means, scanning server and defines server, and the definition server storage is included at more than one scanning Manage multiple scan process definition of definition.
6. scanning means according to claim 1, wherein：
Described execution includes retrieving the data from the external source based on the growth data, and to the scanning means The device of separation sends at least a portion of scan data, destination data and the data retrieved from the external source.
7. scanning means according to claim 1, wherein：
Described execution includes generating graphic user interface using the growth data and being received via graphic user interface using Family is input into, and sends the scan data, the destination data and the use to the device for the scanning means separate At least a portion of family input.
8. scanning means according to claim 1, wherein：
Described execution includes sending the scan data, the destination data and institute to the device for the scanning means separate State at least a portion of growth data.
9. a kind of scan method, including：
User identification data is received, the user identification data is used to recognize the user of scanning means；
The data at least recognizing more than one scan process definition are retrieved, the scan process definition is known with the user Other data are corresponding；
So that shown in the user interface of the scanning means with it is one more than scan process definition it is corresponding one User interface object more than individual；
Via the user interface of the scanning means, receive for indicating to be selected from the middle of more than one user interface object Select the user input of particular user interface object；
In the middle of the specific scan process definition corresponding with particular user interface object, identification scanning setting data, destination Data and growth data, the growth data include the external data associated with scan data and appointing the retrieval from external source What data；And
Determine whether growth data includes external data；
If including this external data, the external source retrieval data recognized from the growth data, and to The device that with the scanning means separate sends scan data based on the scanning setting data generation and from the external source At least a portion of the data of retrieval.
10. scan method according to claim 9, wherein：
The specific scan process definition is expressed as XML data；And
The growth data is included in the middle of the XML data, and point data is extended as independent hardware provider (IHV).
11. scan methods according to claim 9, wherein：
It is described to send the device for including being sent to the destination data and with the scanning means separate；And
The device for the scanning means separate includes and the scanning server for coupling with defining server communication, the definition clothes Business device storage includes multiple scan process definition of more than one scan process definition.
12. scan methods according to claim 11, wherein：
Retrieval data include receiving data from the server that defines.
13. scan methods according to claim 9, wherein：
The device for the scanning means separate is in the outside of Distributed Scans management system, the Distributed Scans management system System includes scanning means, scanning server and defines server, and the definition server storage is included at more than one scanning Manage multiple scan process definition of definition.
14. scan methods according to claim 9, wherein：
Described execution includes retrieving the data from the external source based on the growth data, and to the scanning means The device of separation sends at least a portion of scan data, destination data and the data retrieved from the external source.
15. scan methods according to claim 9, wherein：
Described execution includes generating graphic user interface using the growth data and being received via graphic user interface using Family is input into, and sends the scan data, the destination data and the use to the device for the scanning means separate At least a portion of family input.
CN201410074569.2A 2013-03-06 2014-03-03 Metadata in Distributed Scans system is supported Expired - Fee Related CN104038656B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/786,456 US9007632B2 (en) 2013-03-06 2013-03-06 Rights management in a distributed scan system
US13/786,456 2013-03-06
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